A human rights activist and Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Agena Robert Ande, has condemned what he described as a state-sponsored assault on peaceful protesters in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia of presiding over a regime of violence and impunity.
In a strongly worded statement released on Sunday, Ande expressed outrage over the brutal manner in which unarmed demonstrators, who had gathered to demand an end to ongoing killings and insecurity in Benue communities, were dispersed by heavily armed security operatives allegedly acting on orders from the state government.
“The use of armoured vehicles, helicopters, and tear gas against peaceful citizens is nothing short of state-sponsored brutality,” Ande said. “This is a damning indictment of Governor Alia’s utter incompetence and disregard for human life.”
The protest, which drew civil society groups, youth leaders, and concerned residents, was intended to raise awareness about the escalating violence across several parts of the state, especially in rural communities plagued by banditry and communal conflicts.
According to eyewitnesses and activists, the peaceful demonstrators were met with an overwhelming show of force.
Ande alleged that not only were security operatives deployed to violently disperse the crowd, but thugs loyal to the state government also descended on protesters, physically assaulting them before handing them over to the police.
“That the governor’s hired thugs could beat peaceful protesters to a stupor and then hand them over to law enforcement is a glaring indication of the state’s disregard for the rule of law and fundamental human rights,” Ande stated.
Though the exact number of people arrested remains unclear, human rights groups monitoring the situation have confirmed multiple injuries and detentions.
Ande emphasized that the people of Benue will not be cowed into silence. “The people of Benue State will not forget the actions of Governor Alia and the security agents who cracked down on peaceful protesters,” he warned. “They will demand accountability and justice for the brutality meted out to them.”
He called on civil society, the international community, and democratic institutions to pay close attention to the deteriorating civic freedoms in Benue State and hold those responsible to account.
“It is time for Governor Alia to take responsibility for the crisis engulfing Benue and engage meaningfully with the people. Repression is not leadership. The solution lies in justice, dialogue, and accountability.”
The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official response to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.
Sahara Reporters
