A Catholic Missionary priest serving in Gambia, Rev Fr Kelvin Ugwu, has publicly criticized Benue State Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia for his handling of security challenges in the state, particularly following the recent massacre of 43 people by suspected armed herders.

The cleric challenged Governor Alia to show the same level of decisiveness in intercepting killers as he demonstrated when preventing former presidential candidate Peter Obi from visiting Benue State.

Recent Deadly Attacks

The criticism comes in the wake of Sunday's deadly invasion by suspected armed herders in two communities across Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State, which claimed at least 43 lives. This attack occurred barely a week after similar violent incidents in other communities within the same region.

"It is not a great thing that you come to Facebook every Eke market day to announce to us the number of people that have been butchered," Fr Ugwu stated in his Facebook post on Tuesday, directly addressing Governor Alia.

Call for Proactive Leadership

Fr Ugwu emphasized that Benue residents had voted for Alia largely because of his priestly background, despite his suspension from clerical duties, believing he would govern differently from his predecessors.

"Announce rather those you have apprehended. Be proactive and not reactive," the priest advised, suggesting that the governor should focus on capturing perpetrators rather than merely reporting casualties.

"In the same way you intercepted Obi's entrance to Benue, you can also do the same to these people killing your people. That is if you want to," Fr Ugwu challenged.

The statement draws a pointed comparison between the governor's swift action to prevent Peter Obi's political visit and what Fr Ugwu perceives as inadequate response to the recurring security threats facing Benue communities.

Ongoing Security Concerns

Benue State has long suffered from violent clashes between farming communities and herders, with recent weeks seeing an alarming escalation in attacks and casualties. The governor has reportedly ordered immediate military action in the affected areas, declaring that "Benue communities are not killing fields."

The public criticism from Fr Ugwu adds to growing pressure on Governor Alia's administration to find lasting solutions to the security challenges that continue to plague the state.