The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has strongly condemned the alleged use of force to disperse peaceful protesters in Makurdi, describing the action as “barbaric” and a betrayal of public trust.
In a statement released on Sunday, the APC’s State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, accused Governor Hyacinth Alia — who was elected under the party’s platform — of turning against his own people by allegedly ordering security forces to attack citizens protesting the recent massacre in Yelwata community.
The protest, held at the Wurukum food basket roundabout in Makurdi, followed the killing of over 100 people by suspected armed herders in Yelwata on Saturday. Eyewitnesses said security agents fired tear gas at demonstrators, some of whom were joined by social media activist Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
“We deeply sympathize with the resilient people of Benue who were protesting peacefully only to be attacked by the very government meant to protect them,” Ihomun said. “This is a new low for Governor Alia’s administration.”
The APC noted that Alia’s handling of the security crisis in Benue had been disappointing, accusing him of “deliberate inaction” and a “glaring disinterest” in stopping the attacks. The party also slammed the governor for allegedly describing the killings as “mere skirmishes” and for defending the presence of foreign militias under ECOWAS agreements.
“This is no longer a matter of incompetence; it is complicity,” the statement added. “We hold Governor Alia personally responsible for the worsening crisis and the brutal suppression of grieving citizens.”
The APC demanded the release of all arrested protesters, a thorough investigation into the alleged shootings, and justice for victims of the violence.
During the protest, Deputy Governor Sam Ode attempted to address the crowd but was rejected by angry youths who insisted on hearing directly from the governor. The protest turned tense as security forces dispersed the crowd with tear gas.
In response, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata killings and said more federal and state security forces were being deployed to restore peace.
Meanwhile, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar described the Benue killings as a national emergency and urged urgent federal action. He called for medical aid and trauma counselling for affected communities.
