Gov Alia clears air on Benue killings’ comments

The Benue State Government has moved to clarify Governor Hyacinth  Alia’s recent comments about the ongoing killings in the state, stressing that his comments have been intentionally distorted by some individuals.

In a statement issued on Friday, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, described as “worrisome” the deliberate twisting of the governor’s words.

According to Egbodo, Governor Alia has consistently acknowledged the security situation in Benue and noted that available information does not suggest a pattern of attacks motivated by faith or ethnicity.

“To set the record straight, His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia never denied the killings in Benue nor did he make light of the effect of these senseless violence unleashed on hapless citizens.

“He identified killer bandits, terrorists as the perpetrators of these acts and advised against allowing such individuals hide behind religion in any guise. It is worrisome that mischief makers are deliberately misrepresenting the the Governor comments.

“In another video, also in wide circulation, the governor had explained that the activities of the killer terrorists were well coordinated and are such plans were ‘followed religiously’. (This means their plans were followed meticulously).”

The government noted that Governor Alia has intensified cooperation with security agencies, boosted support for displaced residents, pushed for greater national and international security involvement, and initiated long-term solutions aimed at tackling the root causes of violence.

“His Excellency continues to mourn with the bereaved, visit affected areas, and mobilize all levers of government to restore peace. The Administration fully acknowledges the trauma of communities bearing the brunt of these attacks, and remains committed to protecting every life—without bias and without exception.

“We therefore urge the public to interpret the Governor’s comments in the broader context of his unwavering dedication to securing Benue State. This Government stands firmly with the people and will not relent until the cycle of violence is brought to a complete end.”

The statement also thanked citizens and partners for their continued concern and support for peace and justice.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Governor’s statement was neither an attempt to downplay the painful realities on ground nor a dismissal of the grief of families who have lost their loved ones. His Excellency is fully aware of the weight of every life lost in Benue State, and he continues to treat the security challenges confronting the State with the urgency and seriousness they demand.

“It is important to emphasize that the Governor’s clarification—that the killings should not be defined or framed purely along religious lines—was made in the interest of accurate reporting, responsible public discourse, and effective response. Misdiagnosing the nature of the crisis may hinder the multi-sectoral solutions already being implemented. What His Excellency sought to communicate is that the conflict is complex, involving criminality, land-use tensions, and targeted acts of violence that require strategic, intelligence-driven interventions beyond religious categorization.”