‘They Guided the Killers’ – Governor Alia Makes Shocking Allegation Against Villagers
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed renewed alarm over the persistent violence and killings in various parts of the state, suggesting that some residents of the affected communities may be collaborating with the attackers.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Governor Alia described the situation as “carnage” and pointed to an emerging pattern that indicates internal involvement.
“We’re noticing a troubling trend. It’s a simple yet unsettling truth — a thief rarely enters a place without help from someone on the inside,” he stated.
The governor decried the unrelenting bloodshed, noting that the conflict, which began years ago in Makurdi and Guma local government areas, has since expanded in scale and severity.
“When we assumed office in 2023, 17 local government areas were under threat. We worked hard to reduce that number to nine, and then to six. Unfortunately, the attacks have started to rise again,” he disclosed.
He listed the most severely affected local government areas as Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu, and Guma — several of which had enjoyed relative stability until recently.
“Guma was peaceful for over a year. People returned, cultivated their farms, and harvested successfully. But now, with this year’s farming season, the violence has returned — and with a different dimension,” Alia added.
He noted that what was once seen as a conflict between farmers and herders has taken a more sinister turn.
“These attackers no longer come with cattle. They’re not typical herders. They arrive armed with AK-47s and AK-49s, intent on killing — and not long after, others move in to take over the land,” he explained.
Governor Alia also pointed out the geographical complexities, highlighting that Benue shares borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa. He said some of the assailants are believed to be entering from the Cameroon side.
“They don’t speak any familiar Hausa or Fulani dialects. Their language is foreign, suggesting they may not be from within Nigeria,” he concluded.
