BREAKING: Benue electorate vow to vote out Gov Alia, APC in 2027 over ‘no Christian genocide’ comment

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has provoked widespread outrage among residents after dismissing claims of a Christian genocide in the state.

Alia made these remarks during a consultative forum organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja, addressing the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs).

“In my state of Benue, we don’t have any religious, ethnic, racial, national or state genocide. … Do we have insecurity in the state? Yes, we do. But it is not genocide. Someone would need to check the United Nations’ definitions to understand this.”

He also rejected the notion that a jihad is underway in his state or in Nigeria:
“We do not have any jihad in Nigeria … If anything like that were happening in Benue … I would have been the first to make the alarm,

 “There is no Christian genocide in Benue State.”

The comment has sparked backlash from citizens and social media users, many of whom have vowed to vote against Alia and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.

On social media, Peter Ogwuche asked, “What do you call the killings that took place in Yelewata, Benue State?” Sunday Patrick added, “At least Ortom was shouting and encouraging the Benue people. I don’t understand this ‘yes papa’ mentality.”

Some users defended the governor’s political motives. James Rodri commented, “I don’t blame him; he is trying to secure his second tenure.” Similarly, Audu Augustine wrote, “By this declaration, you are hereby handed your automatic return ticket for 2027. Congratulations.”

Criticism of the governor’s clerical status also featured prominently. Orya Godgive questioned, “Who do you prefer to serve, God or APC?” Andrew Oputa observed, “The funny thing is that he is a reverend father.” Edmond Edward Onen added, “The man has removed his priestly garments long before now. He has decided to priest over cash and politics; anything goes.” Chia Moses Aondofa said, “God will come to our aid the same way He rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians. Bishop and Tor Tiv said there is genocide in the state and country at large; Rev Father said it’s a lie.”

Others expressed disbelief and disappointment. Ona Richards wrote, “I can’t believe it’s real, maybe it’s AI. Haba Rev.” Sunday Odoh added, “Kaiii, let me confirm from another source that Rev Father Alia truly said this before I finally comment.”

Social media users highlighted the intersection of religion and politics in Benue. Ukah Michael stated, “Reverend fathers and politics are five and six.” Daniel Oyewunmi questioned, “And think they said this man is a pastor.” Arthur Uneze criticized Alia for prioritizing politics over pastoral duties: “One would think that a man once robed in priestly garments, schooled in the theology of justice and compassion, would be the loudest voice against the unholy bloodbath in Benue. But rather than drawing from his pastoral training to defend the flock, now moonlights as a PR officer for Abuja’s political aristocracy.”

Many residents linked his comment to political ambition. James Smith Smile simply said, “Father indeed,” while Adah Michael Elias wrote, “I told you guys, APC will always defend themselves.” Sunday Patrick added, “At least Ortom was shouting and encouraging the Benue people. I don’t understand this ‘yes papa’ mentality.”

Warnings about consequences and calls for divine justice were frequent. Rocas Gabriel stated, “Thank you sir, the Lord will judge you.” Odihi Emmanuel Owoicho prayed, “May the Lord help us.” Titilayo Fola wrote, “God will judge everybody.”

Several users also mocked the governor’s alignment with APC. Daniel Aglata remarked, “This Rev Father has a question mark (❓).” Paul Agbo commented, “Politics! Reverend Father Alia is a full-blooded APC.” Michael Ejembi Abah urged restraint: “Alia can you keep quiet.”

Some questioned whether the comment was genuine. Elizabeth Jonathan cautioned, “He didn’t speak this; you people should be mindful of what you post on social media.” Bathram Alikali suggested, “This is AI, not him.”

Amidst the anger, some users called for patience and reflection. Abraham Oluma wrote, “Let the will of God be done.” Timothy Golu asked, “So what do you have?” Elizabeth Jonathan added, “He didn’t speak this; you people should be mindful of what you post on social media.”

The governor’s comments have provoked strong reactions on social media from angry and disappointed Benue residents:

• Peter Ogwuche: “What do you call the killings that took place in Yelewata, Benue State?”

• Sunday Patrick: “At least Ortom was shouting and encouraging the Benue people. I don’t understand this ‘yes papa’ mentality.”

• James Rodri: “I don’t blame him; he is trying to secure his second tenure.”

• Orya Godgive: “Who do you prefer to serve, God or APC?”

• Andrew Oputa: “The funny thing is that he is a reverend father.”

• Edmond Edward Onen: “The man has removed his priestly garments long before now. He has decided to priest over cash and politics; anything goes.”

• Chia Moses Aondofa: “God will come to our aid the same way He rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians … Rev Father said it’s a lie.”

• Ona Richards: “I can’t believe it’s real. Maybe it’s AI. Haba Rev.”

• Sunday Odoh: “Kaiii, let me confirm from another source that Rev Father Alia truly said this … before I finally comment.”

• Ukah Michael: “Reverend fathers and politics are five and six.”

• Daniel Oyewunmi: “And think they said this man is a pastor.”

• Arthur Uneze: Criticised Alia for abandoning his pastoral responsibilities in favour of political gain.

• Audu Augustine: “By this declaration, you are hereby handed your automatic return ticket for 2027. Congratulations.”

• Rocas Gabriel: “Thank you sir, the Lord will judge you.”

• Odihi Emmanuel Owoicho: “May the Lord help us.”

• Titilayo Fola: “God will judge everybody.”