By Paul Onehi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has made a serious allegation that certain politicians serving in the National Assembly are behind the recent attacks on communities in Benue, which have claimed several lives.
During his appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” on Friday, June 6, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia alleged that some National Assembly members were behind the recent attacks in the state. He described the attacks as well-planned and executed by terrorists, resulting in significant loss of life.
Alia refrained from naming the specific politicians, but hinted that an interim report from a judicial panel he established revealed the involvement of prominent individuals. He vowed to take up the matter as soon as he received the full report in the coming week.
The governor stated, “We established a judicial panel to investigate the persistent attacks from both internal and external sources, and we’ve received an interim report. The panel’s full report is expected between next Tuesday and Wednesday.”
According to Alia, “It’s deeply troubling that some active politicians in the National Assembly are the masterminds and key figures behind these attacks, providing logistical support, harboring the perpetrators in the bushes, and covering their expenses, including purchasing gadgets for them.”
Alia stated that, the attacks can no longer be viewed as simple farmer-herder conflicts, suggesting that there are deeper underlying factors and possibly external influences at play.
“We are under siege,” he lamented, insisting that the attacks now involved specialised killers—terrorists who engage in a form of guerrilla warfare.
Alia stressed that the attacks are unacceptable and asserted his responsibility to safeguard the people, stating, “If they’re fighting for political positions at the expense of citizens’ lives, I believe I’m serving the interest of the common masses, and it’s my right to protect them.”
Alia assured that upon receiving the report next week, his administration will take decisive action, treating the matter with utmost seriousness.
There has been a surge in attacks in the North-Central state in recent weeks, with several local government areas experiencing violent onslaughts that have claimed numerous lives.
According to report 69 confirmed deaths from recent attacks in Benue State as of April 22. These attacks have been widespread, affecting several local government areas, including Apa, Ukum, Sankera, and Logo LGAs.
