By Ekemini Simon

Amid worsening insecurity and repeated deadly attacks across Benue State, the state government reportedly spent only N111.06 million — just 0.3 per cent of its N41.85 billion security budget — within the first quarter of 2026.

A review of the state’s budget performance report revealed that despite the huge allocation for security operations and services in the 2026 fiscal year, very little was released between January and March, raising concerns over the government’s response to escalating violence in several communities.

The approved budget earmarked N40 billion for security votes and operations, alongside N1.85 billion for security services. However, records show that only N111.06 million was spent during the period under review.

The amount spent on security was reportedly far lower than the N3.35 billion released for the running costs of the Benue State Government House and the State House of Assembly within the same period.

The low spending came as several communities across Kwande, Gwer West, Ohimini, Agatu and other local government areas suffered repeated attacks by armed men, leaving dozens dead and many others injured.

Among the attacks recorded were killings in rice farms, ambushes on roads, invasions of villages and assaults on farming communities. On February 3 alone, at least 17 persons, including a police officer, were reportedly killed in attacks on Abande and Anwase communities in Turan District.

Another deadly attack on March 5 claimed 16 lives in Mbaav and Mbachoon communities.

Despite the growing insecurity, the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, established in 2024 to coordinate security operations and work with security agencies, reportedly recorded no releases for personnel, overhead or capital expenditure during the first quarter of 2026, despite having a budget allocation of N2.15 billion.

Security analysts have continued to warn that the persistent violence threatens food production, livelihoods and humanitarian conditions in Benue, often described as Nigeria’s “food basket.”

The report also showed that Benue State generated total revenue of N127.18 billion during the first quarter of 2026, while total expenditure stood at N82.28 billion.