Benue killings: Alia is a failed Governor – Abba Moro, Akume’s wife, Udende, Agbese, others

A fierce political row erupted Thursday as members of the Benue State National Assembly Caucus slammed Governor Hyacinth Alia over recent allegations that lawmakers were behind the wave of violent attacks rocking the state.

Speaking during a televised national broadcast, Governor Alia had accused some “very functional” Benue politicians in Abuja of harbouring and sponsoring violent elements, alleging they were footing bills and providing equipment for armed attackers hiding in the state’s bushes.

Reacting swiftly, the Benue lawmakers, led by Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Comrade Abba Moro, described the governor’s allegations as “baseless, reckless, and irresponsible.” They issued a scathing statement during a press conference held at the National Assembly complex, titled “Alia’s Many Lies.”

“The Benue State Caucus of the National Assembly saw with consternation Governor Alia’s umbrage on the National Assembly members from Benue State on the security challenges confronting the state,” the statement read.

The lawmakers accused the governor of deflecting blame and failing to tackle insecurity in the state, citing previous instances where he dismissed deadly attacks as “mere skirmishes” and even denied the occurrence of killings since he assumed office in May 2023.

“In a church service in Ikpayongo, the governor stated that there had been no killings in Benue since he assumed office. Yet, when citizens were killed in Bonta and Ukpute, he downplayed the tragedies,” they said.

The caucus condemned what they called a pattern of conflicting statements from Governor Alia, pointing to his earlier remarks suggesting that attackers were foreigners protected by ECOWAS protocols, despite acknowledging that Benue communities were under siege from land-grabbing invaders.

The lawmakers also criticized Alia’s alleged refusal to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, despite a Senate resolution supporting its enforcement in the state.

“Never in the history of Benue has a governor spoken from both sides of his mouth so frequently,” the statement added.

The caucus unequivocally denied any involvement in sponsoring violence and said its members had instead been supporting victims and pushing for federal intervention.

“No week passes by that members are not in their constituencies to bury or console grieving families. Meanwhile, the governor sits in the comfort of Government House Makurdi, barely condemning the perpetrators,” they said.

Describing the governor’s comments as a “sad and pathetic show of politics taken too far,” the lawmakers demanded an immediate public apology and called for an investigation by the Inspector General of Police to clear their names.

The caucus also urged the governor to focus on governance rather than intimidation and blame games.

Among those present at the press briefing were Senators Abba Moro (Benue South), Emmanuel Udende (Benue North East), and Titus Zam (Benue North West). House of Representatives members present included Hon. Dickson Tarkighir, Hon. Philip Agbese, Rt. Hon. David Ogewu, Hon. (Mrs) Regina Akume, and Hon. Mark Gbillah Achado.

The clash further deepens the political rift in Benue State as insecurity continues to take a toll on lives and livelihoods across the region.