Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has intensified his accusations over the persistent wave of killings in the state, claiming a wide network of conspirators including top politicians, imported militias, and even some religious leaders are behind the bloodshed.
In a series of public statements made over the past week, Governor Alia alleged that certain politicians based in Abuja and within the National Assembly are the masterminds of the violence.
According to him, these individuals are not only sponsoring the armed attackers but also providing them with weapons, shelter, and other logistical support.
He described them as “architects and arrowheads” of terror in Benue and confirmed that a judicial panel of inquiry had submitted an interim report already indicting several well-known figures.
He assured the public that decisive action would follow once the panel releases its final report, expected within days.
Governor Alia also accused unidentified militia groups of being imported into Benue specifically to carry out the attacks.
He emphasized that the pattern of killings has gone beyond the typical farmer-herder clashes that have plagued the state in the past.
Instead, he said, the violence is organized, strategic, and resembles terrorist operations.
According to him, over 60 percent of intelligence reports about the attacks have been accurate, reinforcing his belief that the state is under siege by well-funded, coordinated forces.
Adding to the controversy, the governor on June 12 accused certain religious leaders of worsening the crisis.
Speaking at a Democracy Day event, he referred to these individuals as “religious bandits” and condemned them for allegedly using their altars to preach hate and division.
He warned that such actions were fueling unrest and aggravating tensions in already volatile communities.
Governor Alia has since ordered a full-scale joint security operation across affected areas in the state, vowing to restore law and order.
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing all those behind the killings, regardless of their social or political status.
These explosive claims have sparked significant backlash. The Benue State National Assembly Caucus issued a strong response on June 12, describing the governor’s accusations as baseless, reckless, and politically motivated.
They demanded a public apology and urged the governor to stop playing the “blame game.” Similarly, opposition parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Action Congress (AAC) have challenged Alia to publicly name the individuals he accuses, warning him not to politicize the tragic situation.
The accusations come against the backdrop of deadly attacks in parts of Benue. In late May, gunmen stormed communities in Gwer West, killing over 20 people and displacing many others.
Governor Alia described the attacks as heinous and a sign that terrorism was taking deep root in the state.
As the public awaits the full release of the judicial panel’s findings, tension continues to rise.
The next few days may prove pivotal, with the possibility of arrests, political fallout, and further security operations looming.
Governor Alia remains firm in his stance, stating that Benue will not continue to suffer in silence, and that those behind the bloodshed—no matter how powerful—will be held accountable.
