In a decisive move to combat rising insecurity and improve emergency response in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has officially launched a new security formation known as the Quick Response Squad (QRS). The initiative is aimed at enhancing the state’s capacity to swiftly address security threats and safeguard lives and property in vulnerable communities.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place earlier this week, was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Sam Ode, who represented Governor Alia at the event. According to the state government, the creation of the QRS forms part of a broader strategy to retool and reposition the state’s security architecture in the face of persistent challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes.
Governor Alia, through his deputy, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and security of Benue citizens, stressing that without peace, development would remain elusive. He noted that the newly inaugurated Quick Response Squad will work closely with existing security agencies to ensure a coordinated and timely approach to distress calls and emerging threats across all local government areas.
Dr. Ode further explained that the squad will be equipped with modern operational tools, tactical vehicles, and trained personnel capable of handling a wide range of security situations. He called on residents of the state to support the efforts of security operatives by volunteering timely information and cooperating with law enforcement agencies.
The launch of the QRS has been met with optimism by local stakeholders and community leaders who have long decried the state’s exposure to violent attacks, especially in border communities. Many believe the formation of a specialized unit dedicated to rapid intervention marks a turning point in the ongoing fight against criminality in Benue.