Accountability Over Excuses: Kuraun Challenges Benue Govt on Rising Insecurity

 

Renowned public policy expert and political advocate, Dr. Jeffrey Kuraun, has issued a scathing critique of the Benue State Government over the escalating insecurity and persistent killings ravaging communities across the state, despite receiving the highest monthly security allocation among Nigeria’s 36 states.

In a statement made available to Truetells Nigeria on Sunday, 16th June, 2025, Kuraun emphasized that the tragic and ongoing bloodshed demands more than “national sympathy and rhetorical condemnations.” He asserted that what Benue needs now is bold, effective, and accountable leadership.

“Benue cannot continue to suffer avoidable bloodshed while receiving over ₦3 billion monthly in security votes. The people deserve to know what that money is achieving,” Kuraun declared.

He called for an immediate audit of security expenditure, decrying the persistent veil of secrecy surrounding how security funds are utilized in the state. According to him, these funds should be used for operational intelligence, local enforcement, community policing, and proactive threat neutralization.

Rejecting the habitual blame on federal agencies and external actors, Kuraun stressed that the primary responsibility lies with the Benue State Government, whose duty it is to ensure the safety and protection of its citizens.

“Leadership means taking the initiative—not waiting for Abuja,” he added. “Excuses and blame cannot replace action.”

To restore public confidence and achieve meaningful security outcomes, the policy expert recommended the following urgent measures:

* Formal engagement of traditional rulers, local leaders, and vigilante networks.

* Establishment of a publicly accessible audit system to track and evaluate security spending.

* Strengthened collaboration with federal security agencies grounded in mutual accountability, not rivalry.

Kuraun noted that while Benue is not the only state facing security threats, the fact that it receives the largest security vote in Nigeria places it in a unique position to lead by example in community-led, transparent, and results-driven security intervention.

“Benue State is not just a line item on a budget; it is home to millions of Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods are at stake,” he said. “Lives must matter more than politics—and inaction is no longer acceptable.”

Kuraun’s remarks come amidst renewed attacks in several parts of the state, with civil society and community leaders repeatedly calling on the government to step up its response and end the cycle of violence.

As the death toll rises, the question on the minds of many residents remains: What is ₦3 billion achieving each month in the name of security?