Insecurity in Benue: Political mercenaries twisted my word – Alia

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has decried what he described as deliberate misinterpretations and disinformation trailing his recent appearance on Channels Television, where he spoke on the growing insecurity in the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, on Sunday, Governor Alia accused political “mercenaries” of twisting his remarks in a calculated attempt to mislead the public and score cheap political points.

“Following His Excellency’s outing on Channels TV, there have been pockets of untoward comments resulting from misinterpretations and disinformation, orchestrated by the usual unprincipled lots whose conscience is permanently for hire,” the statement read.

Kula emphasized that Governor Alia, known for his altruism and dedication, remains fully committed to defending the lives and property of Benue citizens. “He cannot trade with the blood of the innocent people of the state, who are murdered by soulless herders,” he said.

Clarifying Alia’s statements on the involvement of politicians in the state’s security crisis, Kula noted that the governor’s claim that some politicians are complicit in violent crimes is “not baseless.” He explained that Benue is currently besieged by two categories of armed actors: foreign terrorist herders attacking rural communities and local bandits—particularly in the Sankera axis—who are allegedly being shielded and sponsored by politicians based in Abuja.

During the TV interview, Alia had drawn a distinction between attacks by foreign herdsmen and the criminal operations of local gangs in parts of Sankera and Kwande. The CPS noted that it was these local outlaws the governor referred to as being protected and emboldened by certain political figures.

Governor Alia also reaffirmed that those attacking the state under the guise of herdsmen are largely foreign elements, a position initially criticized but later validated by the Defence Headquarters. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, had confirmed in April that intelligence reports indicated that many of the assailants terrorizing Benue and Plateau were non-Nigerians.

As Chief Security Officer of the state, Governor Alia is privy to sensitive intelligence, including preliminary findings from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Zaki-Biam crisis, the statement added.

Kula urged the public to remain calm and await the full report from the Commission. “The public will eventually know the truth,” he added.