Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has raised alarm over the worsening insecurity in the state, accusing some high-ranking politicians—especially those currently serving at the National Assembly—of being complicit in fueling the violence.
In an interview with Channels Television, Governor Alia alleged that these politicians are not only instigating attacks but are also actively harbouring, funding, and supplying logistics to those carrying out assaults on local communities.
“It is very unsettling because top politicians who are very functional and are at the National Assembly and are in Abuja are the architects and arrowheads of just not instigating but harbouring and keeping these people and feeding them in the bush, taking care of their bills and buying all the other gadgets for them,” the governor stated.
He described the actions of these unnamed individuals as a gross betrayal of public trust and deeply troubling, especially at a time when citizens are already grappling with hardship and displacement.
“This is extremely unacceptable. They do not love the lives of their people and are always fighting for their political positions,” he added.
“I think I am serving the interests of the common masses. It is a concern to me, and it is my right to protect them.”
The governor’s remarks come amidst repeated attacks in parts of Benue State, often attributed to armed herdsmen and militia groups. His comments have sparked renewed debate over political interference and the sincerity of the national response to the crisis in the Middle Belt region.
While Governor Alia did not name the individuals he referred to, his statements appear to suggest a major rift between the state government and some federal lawmakers from Benue—a development that may further complicate the political atmosphere in the state.
