By Amanabo Ocholi
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly condemned the ongoing wave of violent attacks in Benue State, describing them as a deliberate and calculated attempt to forcefully take over ancestral lands belonging to indigenous communities.
In a video obtained by The Bureau Newspaper from an interview aired on AIT, the governor decried the senseless killings and displacement of locals, linking the violence to broader land-grabbing motives by criminal elements.
“What is happening is not just random violence,” Governor Alia stated. “It is a calculated move aimed at displacing our people and taking over their ancestral lands. This must not be allowed to continue.”
The governor appealed to security agencies to urgently intervene and restore peace in affected areas. He emphasized that the rights of the indigenous people of Benue State must be protected, and those behind the violence must be held accountable.
Benue State has witnessed a surge in deadly attacks in recent weeks, particularly in rural communities. Many of the incidents have been attributed to suspected armed herders and militia groups, leading to the displacement of thousands.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring security and justice for victims, calling on the federal government and international human rights bodies to take note of the unfolding crisis.
