Gani Adams slams Benue Governor, warns of targeted attacks in Middle Belt

The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Gani Adams, has strongly criticised the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, over remarks reportedly dismissing claims of religious persecution in the state. 

Adams issued the remarks during an interview with Central TV at his Lagos residence.

IDOMA VOICE reports that Alia had on Wednesday stated that there is no evidence of Christian genocide in Benue State, a position that drew sharp rebuke from Adams.

“I was shocked. Even those of us outside the Middle Belt are deeply concerned about the incidents taking place in Benue and Plateau states. Reports of attacks in different communities reach us almost daily,” Adams said.”

Adams insisted that the pattern of violence in some areas amounts to targeted aggression. 

“I don’t know how the governor wants to define genocide. When one group persistently attacks another with the intention of wiping them out from a community or an entire population, it is difficult to call it anything else,” he added.

The comments by Adams come against the backdrop of international attention on the situation. U.S. President Donald Trump had previously described the violence against Christians in Nigeria as a form of genocide and designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” regarding religious freedom violations. 

Trump’s administration warned that failure to address the attacks on Christians could result in stronger diplomatic and potentially military measures.

Adams emphasized that the ongoing violence is coordinated and often strategically executed, calling for urgent action to protect vulnerable communities in the Middle Belt.

“The people affected are not just numbers, they are citizens of this country whose lives and livelihoods are under threat. Recognition of the severity of these attacks is the first step toward meaningful intervention,” Damas said.