The Benue State Government reportedly spent only N111.06 million on security operations in the first quarter of 2026, despite allocating over N41 billion for security-related activities in the state’s annual budget.
According to a review of the state’s Q1 2026 budget performance report by Premium Times, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia utilised just 0.3 per cent of the N41.85 billion earmarked for security between January and March 2026, amid rising attacks across several communities.
The 2026 budget reportedly allocated N40 billion for security votes and operations, alongside N1.85 billion for security services, bringing the total security allocation to N41.85 billion.
However, the report indicated that the amount released and spent on security during the period was significantly lower than the N3.35 billion reportedly expended on the running costs of Government House and the Benue State House of Assembly within the same quarter.
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The development came as several communities in Kwande, Gwer West, Ohimini, Agatu and other parts of the state experienced recurring deadly attacks by armed groups.
Among the incidents recorded during the period were the killing of two farmers in Kwande on January 14 and the murder of five persons in Gwer West two days later.
Armed attackers also reportedly invaded Tse-Amuneke village on January 22, killing two residents, while multiple communities in Agatu came under attack on January 23, leaving several persons dead and others injured.
On February 3, at least 17 people, including a police officer, were reportedly killed during attacks on Abande and Anwase communities, while another 16 residents were said to have been killed on March 5 in Mbaav and Mbachoon communities.
Despite the worsening insecurity, the Benue State Bureau of Homeland Security, established by Governor Alia in 2024 to coordinate security operations, reportedly recorded no expenditure in the first quarter of 2026, despite having a budget allocation of N2.15 billion for the year.
The report further revealed that the state generated and received N127.18 billion within the first quarter of 2026, including N57.68 billion from FAAC allocations, N11.33 billion from internally generated revenue, N14.42 billion from grants and aid, as well as N43.75 billion carried over from 2025.
Total government expenditure during the period reportedly stood at N82.28 billion, with N34.48 billion spent on salaries, N22.38 billion on recurrent expenditure and N25.42 billion on capital projects.
Security analysts have continued to warn that persistent attacks across Benue communities could further threaten farming activities, food security and livelihoods in the state, widely regarded as Nigeria’s food basket.