Anambra-born human rights lawyer and lead counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has questioned the security situation in Benue State following the recent attack on Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area, which reportedly claimed the lives of four police officers and seven civilians.
Ejiofor, in a statement titled “When Youths Can Stop a Political Convoy but Cannot Stop the Killers: Benue’s Sobering Security Paradox,” expressed concern over what he described as the apparent misdirection of youth energy in the state.
He referred to the recent incident in which youths reportedly blocked the convoy of Peter Obi, preventing him from reaching Yelwata to sympathise with victims of an earlier massacre.
Ejiofor asked why youths capable of mobilising to stop a political convoy could not similarly organise lawful community vigilance and support efforts to protect vulnerable communities from attacks.
He explained that his comments were not against youth activism, but urged young people to channel their energy into intelligence gathering, community vigilance and constructive support for security agencies.
The lawyer called on Governor Hyacinth Alia to strengthen security measures in vulnerable communities, including Yelwata, Ayilamo, Otukpo Nobi and Ugboju.
“Benue does not need political warriors on the highways; they need protectors in the hinterlands,” he said.
Ejiofor also held the Federal Government and security agencies responsible for addressing the wider security challenge, arguing that the recurring attacks require coordinated action beyond the capacity of the state government alone.
He further advocated state police, saying properly trained and supervised young people could contribute to a community-based security structure.
Ejiofor warned against using youths as political instruments, urging them instead to help protect communities and resist insecurity.
He said the contrast between the disruption of Obi’s movement to Yelwata and the attack on Ayilamo should serve as a wake-up call for Benue and Nigeria.
Tags: Benue Security, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Peter Obi, Ayilamo, Insecurity
