Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised the alarm over what he described as a calculated siege on the state by terrorists, saying the level of violence being witnessed is far beyond the usual herders-farmers clashes. He also accused unnamed politicians in Abuja, including serving members of the National Assembly, of sponsoring the ongoing bloodshed.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Governor Alia painted a grim picture of the situation in Benue, warning that the state is now dealing with guerrilla-style terrorist attacks.
“We are under siege,” the visibly disturbed governor said. “The way these attacks come and the intelligence we receive, it is a directed and calibrated plan which is then executed. This is terrorism eating us up, not just conflict.”
Benue State has been experiencing a fresh wave of violent attacks in recent weeks. Communities in several local government areas have been targeted, with scores of people reportedly killed and many more displaced.
Although Benue has long been plagued by herder-farmer clashes, Governor Alia insists the recent killings suggest a more organized and deadly threat. He explained that the nature of the attacks—usually carried out at night by gunmen who disappear without a trace—indicates a more sinister operation.
“Each day, we receive intelligence reports. About 60 to 65 percent of them are accurate,” the governor said. “It’s no longer a question of ethnic fighting or land disputes. What we are dealing with now are trained killers. None of them is ever caught, and they vanish without a trace. This is terrorism.”
Governor Alia did not stop at describing the violence as terrorism. He went further to accuse some powerful individuals in Abuja of sponsoring the attacks. According to him, a judicial panel he set up has already submitted an interim report, revealing some disturbing findings.
“Some politicians who are currently serving in the National Assembly are the architects of these attacks,” Alia stated. “They are not only instigating violence but also funding and harbouring these criminal elements. They provide money, logistics, weapons, and even shelter in the bushes.”
Although he refrained from mentioning any names, Alia promised to act decisively once the full report of the panel is submitted next week.
“This is extremely unacceptable,” he said. “If they don’t care about the lives of the people and are only fighting for their political ambitions, then I, as governor, have the responsibility to defend the lives of my people. Once I receive the full report by Tuesday or Wednesday, I will act.”
Benue State has been one of the worst-hit regions in Nigeria’s North-Central zone in the ongoing security crisis. Over the past decade, repeated clashes between herders and farmers, largely over land and grazing routes, have left hundreds dead and thousands displaced. The violence has now evolved into complex attacks involving banditry, kidnapping, and alleged terrorist infiltration.
In April and May alone, several communities in Guma, Logo, and Agatu local government areas reported night-time invasions by armed men. Houses were burnt, food supplies destroyed, and families forced to flee their homes.
Governor Alia’s statement confirms fears that the crisis may no longer be about local disputes but rather a national security emergency with political undertones.
The governor’s allegations have drawn sharp attention to the political dimensions of insecurity in Nigeria. He called on the federal government and security agencies to act swiftly to investigate the claims and protect innocent citizens.
“This fight is not about me. It is about the poor farmers, the widows, the children, and the aged who cannot defend themselves,” Alia said. “Benue people are peaceful. But we cannot continue to live in fear while some selfish individuals play politics with our lives.”
Governor Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, assumed office in May 2023 and has since faced major security and economic challenges. His strong words on national television mark a turning point in how the state government plans to respond to the escalating violence.
As residents continue to count their losses and bury loved ones, many are hoping that the governor’s tough stance will lead to real action and lasting peace.
