Benue Lawmakers Fire Back: Accuse Governor Alia of Irresponsibility Over Herdsmen Attacks

The Benue State Caucus of the National Assembly has strongly denied accusations by Governor Hyacinth Alia that they are behind violent herdsmen attacks in the state, calling the governor’s claims reckless and unfounded.

Speaking on national television, Governor Alia had alleged that “some very active politicians in Abuja, especially those in the National Assembly,” were financing and shielding the perpetrators of violence in Benue State, going as far as claiming they were “keeping them in the bushes, footing their bills, and providing gadgets.”

In a swift and fiery response issued on Thursday from the National Assembly, the caucus — represented by Senate Minority Leader and Senator for Benue South, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro — dismissed the governor’s statements as “baseless, irresponsible, and shameful.”

In a statement titled “Alia’s Many Lies,” the lawmakers expressed their dismay over what they described as a pattern of blame-shifting and dishonesty by Governor Alia.

“Governor Alia’s remarks are consistent with someone overwhelmed by the realities of governance,” the statement read. “Instead of confronting insecurity, he resorts to insulting those raising legitimate concerns. He previously described us as ‘bokoti’—useless people—for daring to speak up about the deteriorating security situation in our state.”

The caucus criticized the governor for failing to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, despite Senate resolutions urging him to do so. They also pointed out inconsistencies in the governor’s rhetoric — noting that at a church service earlier this year, he claimed there had been no killings in the state since he took office, despite multiple deadly incidents since May 2023.

The lawmakers accused Governor Alia of lacking empathy and failing to condemn perpetrators of violence, choosing instead to attack protesting youths and blame fellow politicians.

“It’s disturbing that a sitting governor would go on national television and accuse his own constituents and representatives of sponsoring violence,” they said. “This is unprecedented in Nigeria’s history.”

They also took issue with Alia’s shifting narratives, noting that he once blamed the crisis on land grabbing, and at another time defended the attackers as foreigners protected under ECOWAS protocols.

The lawmakers demanded a public retraction and apology from Governor Alia. They also called on the Inspector General of Police to immediately investigate the allegations to clear their names and assure the public of the truth.

Finally, they urged the governor to focus on governance, stop the blame game, and disengage from aligning with non-state actors used to intimidate political rivals.

“Benue State deserves serious leadership, not theatrics. If other states like Borno and Plateau can seek federal help while acknowledging the suffering of their people, why is Benue different under Alia?” the statement concluded.