Some ‘religious bandits’ behind killings in Benue – Gov Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused some religious leaders of fueling the ongoing crisis in the state, describing them as “religious bandits.”

Speaking during the Democracy Day celebration held in Makurdi on Thursday, Governor Alia alleged that while many traditional rulers and religious leaders are working with his administration to restore peace, a few others are instead promoting discord.

“There are also some religious leaders that I call ‘religious bandits’ who are fueling the bad experiences that we are having here,” the governor said. “How do they support that? By their rhetorics, by what they speak. If you do not have the facts about Benue and Nigeria, shut up. Don’t just say something because you have the holy altar and oil to speak.”

Alia said the Democracy Day event should serve as a time of reflection, especially for Benue residents still affected by insecurity.

“It is not yet Uhuru for us in Benue State. We are still burying our dead, who are killed unprovoked,” he said. “It is not just hope but an intense effort to ensure that we take out this total menace of carnage and killings.”

He assured that his administration will not relent in addressing the security challenges facing the state, especially in the six local government areas considered as frontline zones. He expressed confidence that with the support of President Bola Tinubu, peace would eventually return to the state.

The governor also called on citizens to unite and think positively about the future of Nigeria, emphasizing that “what unites us is greater than what divides us.”

“Let’s celebrate Nigeria as a common entity. It is a great day and we must think very positively for the state and the nation,” he added.

Earlier, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) One, Two and Three, Comrade Aloy Omaja, commended Governor Alia for implementing the new national minimum wage and exceeding the N70,000 benchmark. He also lauded the prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, pledging the continued support of workers in the state.