Sabastine Hon, a professor of law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) has raised alarm over what he described as escalating threats and growing insecurity in Gboko metropolis of Benue state, calling on security agencies and the Chairman of the Local Government to take immediate action.
Hon disclosed that credible reports reaching him indicate that a particular individual has been issuing threats targeted at people not originally from Gboko.
He condemned the conduct in strong terms, insisting that such actions must “cease FORTHWITH” to prevent further deterioration of peace in the area.
In a statement he personally signed and sent to BusinessDay via WhatsApp on Wednesday in Jos, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is an indigene of the local government, expressed concern that “the emerging threats are contributing to a wider surge in crime and insecurity that residents have recently been grappling with”.
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Hon stressed that security agencies and the local government authority must urgently investigate the allegations, apprehend those responsible, and address the rising wave of criminal activity undermining the safety of the community.
He emphasised that Gboko occupies a central place as the cultural and spiritual heart of the Tiv nation, describing any form of discrimination or harassment against non-indigenes as an affront to Tiv values of unity, communal harmony, and hospitality.
The renowned scholar warned that intimidation of non-indigenes poses a significant threat to public order and, if left unchecked, could erode the collective cohesion that binds the Tiv people together.
Explaining his decision to publicise the issue via Facebook, Hon stated that social media remains one of the fastest ways to disseminate urgent information, ensuring that both authorities and citizens are quickly alerted to emerging security threats.
The professor’s call comes as Gboko — a prominent local government area in Benue State and home to the Tor Tiv — faces mounting safety concerns.
His intervention serves as a rallying point for renewed vigilance and swift government action to restore peace in the metropolis.
