A Benue group, Ukum Young Elites (UYE), has strongly condemned former Benue State Governor and current Senator, Gabriel Suswam, over alleged derogatory remarks against the people of Ukum Local Government Area, demanding an immediate and unreserved apology.

According to a statement signed by Abraham Waroh and eight others on Tuesday, Senator Suswam allegedly referred to Ukum people as "fools" in a viral video while addressing a section of the community. The group described these utterances as mockery, demeaning, and "the highest level of insult" to the people of Ukum, who are currently facing attacks from suspected herdsmen.

"It is disheartening that Suswam, who is the highest beneficiary of Ukum's benevolence, in turn, calls us fools and embarks on a mission to mock and dance on the graves of our relatives murdered in cold blood," the statement read.

The group reminded Senator Suswam of Ukum's unwavering support throughout his political career, noting that in 1999, when he lost delegate votes in Katsina-Ala and Logo during his bid for a House of Representatives ticket, Ukum provided him with the block votes that secured his victory. They also highlighted similar support during the 2003 general election and his 2015 senatorial bid.

"Perhaps, Suswam now sees us as fools because we have always stood for him, even when Ukum sons are involved in most contests. We have learned our lessons, nonetheless," the statement continued.

The group expressed disappointment that Suswam, as a high-ranking stakeholder from the area, has allegedly never condemned the Fulani attacks in the region but instead visited to express anger over the community's peaceful protest against Governor Hyacinth Alia during his visit to the area.

"Now, it appears Suswam wasn't in Ukum to condole the people over the loss of their relatives to Fulani herdsmen. Instead, he was in the area to register his anger against Ukum for protesting against his friend," the statement added.

The Ukum Young Elites emphasized that the people of Ukum are not fools, as allegedly insinuated by the former Governor, and that their "benevolence and generosity towards Suswam over the years stem from his maternal relationship with the Ukum people."

When contacted for a response, Mr. Bartholomew Bede, Media Aide to Senator Suswam, denied the allegations, stating that his boss, "as a responsible leader, can never use such derogatory words on his people." According to Bede, Senator Suswam only advised the people of Ukum to remain supportive of the governor in tackling insecurity in the area.

The controversy comes amid ongoing security challenges in Benue State, particularly in the Ukum area, which has witnessed several attacks allegedly perpetrated by herdsmen in recent times.