Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has strongly condemned the actions of youths in Ukum Local Government Area who pelted Governor Hyacinth Alia with stones during his recent assessment visit to the troubled region.

Governor Alia had visited Ukum to evaluate the security situation following a series of violent attacks by suspected herdsmen. However, his convoy was met with hostility as angry youths booed and threw stones at him, accusing his administration of failing to protect them from the incessant killings plaguing the area.

Speaking in Tiv language to address the incident, Suswam described the youths' behavior as "shameful and counterproductive," while acknowledging their frustrations over the security challenges.

"When we were young, we liked being motor conductors. We enjoyed that lifestyle, banging on vehicles, shouting destinations. That was our hustle," Suswam said. "Now fast-forward to today: the governor visited our area, but instead of engaging him, some of you decided to throw stones."

The former governor drew a biblical parallel to emphasize his point: "You know, if people had stoned David in the Bible when he was just a shepherd, he wouldn't have gone to fight Goliath. He wouldn't have come back victorious."

Suswam urged the youths to adopt a more constructive approach to engagement, regardless of political differences. "Whether you like him or not, you should have allowed him to come down and talk. If there's something wrong, that was your chance to voice it out," he stated.

He further criticized the misdirection of their anger: "You acted like he was the problem instead of focusing on those truly responsible for the attacks, Fulani terrorists."

The senator warned that such actions could have broader implications for regional unity and governance. "If people in other areas reject a governor from your own zone, won't you be the first to complain?" he questioned.

Suswam concluded by emphasizing the importance of constructive dialogue: "Even if the governor is from another party, it doesn't mean you can't engage him. If he says or does something that benefits the community, support it."

The incident highlights the growing tensions in Benue State, where communities have long suffered from violent attacks attributed to herdsmen, resulting in numerous casualties and displacement of residents across several local government areas.