Benue State is bleeding.
Governor Hyacinth Alia has sounded a chilling alarm, declaring that the state is under a full-blown security siege following a terrifying surge of deadly attacks by armed invaders.
Addressing worshippers on Easter Sunday at the Chapel of Grace, Government House, Makurdi, the governor gave a grim, emotionally charged picture of the worsening crisis.
“We are under siege as a state,” he said. “They come, they drag people out, they kill to occupy. This is extremely unacceptable.”
A LAND UNDER ATTACK
Alia’s message was not just a spiritual reflection—it was a clarion call to action.
With multiple communities ravaged and dozens reportedly slain in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas during Holy Week, the governor minced no words: the violence is premeditated, targeted, and politically exploited.
“Those attacking us have a face, a mission, and a drive,” Alia stated.
“They are not ghosts. They are invaders. And they must be stopped.”
The governor confirmed that a Benue State Security Summit would soon be convened to rally security operatives, traditional rulers, community leaders, and federal stakeholders for an all-hands-on-deck solution.
“TERRORISM IS TERRORISM—NO MATTER WHO COMMITS IT”
Alia made it clear that the government would no longer tolerate ethnic or political cover-ups of criminal acts.
“A terrorist is a terrorist irrespective of his ethnicity or religion,” he thundered.
“Criminality is criminality—period!”
He also issued a stern warning to political opportunists:
“I invite you politicians to stay clear. Don’t be part of those who are attacking us. We have mechanisms in place to uncover those enabling or funding these crimes.”
“IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING”
Alia emphasized that while the government is ramping up response mechanisms, security is a shared responsibility. He urged the people of Benue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement agencies.
“Silence emboldens the enemy. Information saves lives.”
A CRY FOR FEDERAL INTERVENTION
Just a day before his Easter address, the governor had called on the Federal Government for full backing in the war against what many see as an orchestrated land-grab and ethnic cleansing agenda. With rural communities becoming ghost towns and displaced persons swelling in number, pressure is mounting for swift national intervention.
A CALL TO PRAYER—AND TO ACTION
In the spirit of Easter, Alia implored citizens to hold onto faith, even in the face of horror.
“Let us offer prayers for the innocent lives lost in Ukum and Logo LGAs,” he said. “Christ’s resurrection teaches us selfless sacrifice. Let us stand together, not only in prayer but in purpose.”
THE BATTLE FOR BENUE’S FUTURE
Long plagued by deadly clashes between armed herders and farming communities, Benue State has again become a battlefield. But Alia’s defiant tone signals a new resolve.
“We will go to every length and every strain,” he vowed, “to restore peace and dignity to our people.”
As the security summit looms, all eyes now turn to Makurdi, where decisions made in the coming days could determine whether Benue continues to burn—or begins to heal.
