Governor Alia Urges Tinubu To Treat Benue Killings As National Emergency
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called on President Bola Tinubu and security agencies to treat the recent killings in the state as a national emergency, as the death toll from coordinated attacks in Ukum Local Government Area has risen to 72.
The attacks, which occurred between Thursday and late Friday night, left several communities in the Gbagir axis devastated.
Initial reports on Saturday indicated 56 bodies had been recovered from Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv communities.
By Monday, the number increased after more bodies were discovered in nearby bushes by local security personnel and volunteers.
The government spokesperson, Isaac Uzaan, said, “We feared this would happen. This was a premeditated massacre.”
Addressing the press, Governor Alia described the incident as a “strategic ambush” meant to displace residents and disrupt farming activities at the start of the planting season.
“These terrorists are deliberately striking at the beginning of the farming season to chase our people off their land and cripple our food systems,” Alia stated.
“We are dealing with enemies of peace who are armed, trained, and organised. It’s a tragedy.”
The governor warned that the casualty figure could rise further as rescue teams move deeper into remote areas.
He appealed to the Federal Government and security forces for swift intervention, stressing that the violence posed a major threat to national security.
“Our communities are under siege. We cannot continue like this. I am calling on President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and all relevant security agencies to treat this as a national emergency,” Alia pleaded.
Benue has long been a flashpoint in the farmer-herder crisis that continues to plague Nigeria’s Middle Belt, fuelled by land disputes, resource competition, and recurring raids by armed groups.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
