BY ANTHONIA EMMANUEL
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised serious allegations implicating some politicians in the National Assembly in the wave of violent attacks plaguing the state. In a recent appearance on *Channels Television’s Politics Today*, the governor claimed that these individuals are not only fueling the unrest but are actively supporting the perpetrators through financial and logistical means.
Describing the situation as a carefully orchestrated campaign of terror, Governor Alia stated, *“We are under siege. The pattern of attacks, based on the intelligence we receive, clearly shows a well-planned and deliberate operation.”*
Benue State, along with other parts of Nigeria’s North Central region, has witnessed a sharp rise in violent incidents in recent weeks. Several local government areas have come under attack, with communities suffering heavy casualties and displacement.
Governor Alia expressed deep concern over the growing sophistication of the attackers, noting that intelligence reports have consistently proven reliable up to 65% accurate highlighting the calculated nature of the violence.
“It’s no longer just a herders-farmers conflict,” Alia stressed. “These are trained terrorists executing guerrilla-style attacks. They strike in the dead of night and vanish without a trace. This is terrorism, not communal clashes.”
In a move to uncover the root causes of the ongoing violence, the Benue State Government had earlier instituted a judicial panel of inquiry. Governor Alia revealed that an interim report from the panel has already named high-profile individuals allegedly involved in the crisis, with a final report expected next week.
The governor alleged that some of these individuals, current members of the National Assembly are directly linked to the violence. According to him, they are responsible for sheltering the terrorists, funding their operations, and supplying them with sophisticated equipment.
“This is not only shocking, it’s unacceptable,” Alia said. “If these politicians are prioritizing their own political ambitions over the lives of the people, then they are a threat to our peace and security. As governor, I am committed to defending my people, and we will act decisively once the panel submits its full report.”
Governor Alia’s revelations mark a turning point in the conversation around insecurity in Benue, as his administration prepares to take bold steps against those found culpable, regardless of their political standing.
