‘Someone shows killers the way’ — Gov Alia links villagers to rising Benue attacks

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has suggested that some members of the affected communities may be collaborating with armed groups responsible for the recent wave of brutal attacks across the state.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Governor Alia expressed concern over what he described as a recurring pattern of internal betrayal contributing to the bloodshed.

“A thief doesn’t just invade a community unless someone from within shows him the way,” the governor stated, hinting at local complicity in the ongoing violence.

Describing the situation as “carnage,” Alia traced the roots of the crisis to years past, particularly in Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas, but noted that the violence has intensified and spread under increasingly suspicious circumstances.

“When we assumed office in 2023, 17 local government areas were facing regular attacks. Through serious intervention, we reduced the number to nine and then six. Unfortunately, the violence has flared up again,” he revealed.

The governor listed Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu, and Guma as the worst-hit local councils. He recalled that Guma, in particular, had enjoyed over a year of relative peace before the latest resurgence of violence.

“People had returned home and were farming successfully. But this farming season, attacks have returned — and with a different, more dangerous face,” he said.

Alia noted that the nature of the violence has shifted from what was previously regarded as farmer-herder clashes. According to him, the current attackers no longer appear with livestock but instead arrive heavily armed with sophisticated weapons such as AK-47s and AK-49s.

“These are not ordinary herders. They come to kill and then pave the way for others to move in and occupy the land,” he alleged.

The governor also highlighted Benue’s geographic vulnerability, noting that the state borders Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa, and claimed that some of the attackers may be crossing in from the Cameroonian axis.

“They don’t speak any known Fulani or Hausa dialects. Their language is strange, which raises more questions about their origin and motives,” he added.

Alia’s remarks come amid mounting concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue, with residents and leaders alike calling for stronger, coordinated national action to end the bloodshed.