Benue: Suswam condemns youths for stoning Gov Alia during visit to Ukum

Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has strongly condemned the actions of some youths in Ukum Local Government Area who pelted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s convoy with stones during a recent visit to the troubled region.

Governor Alia had visited the area to assess the worsening security situation following a wave of violent attacks, but was met with hostility by angry youths accusing him of inaction over the continued killings in the community.

In a public response, Suswam described the incident as “shameful and counterproductive,” urging the youths to seek redress through dialogue rather than violence.

Speaking in Tiv, Suswam said:

“When we were young, we enjoyed being motor conductors, banging on vehicles, shouting destinations — that was our hustle. But this is different. The governor came to hear you out. Whether you like him or not, you should have let him talk.”

Drawing a biblical analogy, Suswam added,

“If people had stoned David while he was still a shepherd, he wouldn’t have fought Goliath and returned victorious. Likewise, you stoned a governor who came to understand your plight — that is not how to achieve justice.”

The former governor stressed that Governor Alia should have been allowed to address the people and that rejecting such an opportunity was shortsighted.

“Stoning the governor is not only disrespectful but diverts attention from the real culprits — the Fulani terrorists responsible for the attacks,” he said.

Suswam also warned that such behavior could backfire politically.

“If people in other regions reject a governor from your area, won’t you be the first to complain?”

He called on the youths to engage constructively, regardless of political differences, and support any effort that benefits the community.

“Even if the governor is from another party, that shouldn’t stop you from supporting good initiatives,” Suswam concluded.