Benue Under Siege: Governor Alia Blames Politicians for Escalating Terror Attacks

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has raised alarm over escalating violence in the state, asserting that the region is under siege by terrorists and bandits. He attributes the surge in attacks to deliberate actions by certain politicians aiming to destabilize his administration.

In recent weeks, Benue has witnessed a series of deadly assaults. At least 20 people were killed in simultaneous attacks on communities in Gwer West and Apa areas, with local sources suggesting the death toll may be higher . Earlier, 42 individuals lost their lives in coordinated strikes across four communities, including Tyolaha and Aondona, attributed to itinerant herders .

Governor Alia, speaking on Channels Television’s “Politics Today,” emphasized that these incidents transcend traditional herder-farmer conflicts. He described the attacks as “directed, calibrated plans” executed by terrorists employing guerrilla tactics.

The governor further accused unnamed politicians, particularly those based in Abuja, of orchestrating these attacks. He claimed that an interim report from a judicial panel investigating the violence implicates several high-profile individuals. Alia vowed to act decisively upon receiving the full report, stating, “We are going to take it up and take it seriously” .

The ongoing violence has severely impacted Benue’s agrarian communities, displacing over 1,000 households within 11 days and disrupting farming activities . Despite a 2017 anti-open-grazing law, enforcement remains inconsistent, exacerbating tensions between herders and farmers.

Governor Alia has called for unity among Benue residents to combat the insecurity, urging citizens to set aside differences and collaborate in restoring peace . He also announced plans to launch a state security outfit comprising 10,000 youths to bolster local defense efforts .

As Benue grapples with these challenges, the governor’s allegations against political figures add a complex layer to the crisis, highlighting the need for comprehensive strategies to address both the immediate security threats and their underlying causes.

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