Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has pointed accusing fingers at what he described as "religious bandits" for intensifying the prolonged crisis in the state through inflammatory rhetoric and divisive statements.
Speaking during Nigeria's 2025 Democracy Day commemoration in Makurdi on Thursday, Governor Alia expressed concern that while many traditional and religious leaders are working collaboratively with his administration to restore peace, others are allegedly stoking division and unrest.
"There are also some religious leaders that I call 'religious bandits' who are fueling the bad experiences that we are having here," the governor stated. "How do they support that? By their rhetorics, by what they speak. If you do not have the facts about Benue and Nigeria, shut up. Don't just say something because you have the holy altar and oil to speak."
Security Challenges Persist
The governor acknowledged that despite Democracy Day celebrations, Benue State continues to face significant security challenges, describing the situation as far from resolved.
"It is not yet Uhuru for us in Benue State. We are still burying our dead, who are killed unprovoked," he lamented. "It is not just hope but an intense effort to ensure that we take out this total menace of carnage and killings."
Governor Alia reassured residents that his administration remains committed to addressing insecurity, particularly in six local government areas identified as flashpoints. He expressed optimism that with continued federal support, peace would eventually be fully restored across the state.
Call for Unity
The governor used the Democracy Day platform to appeal for unity and patriotism among Nigerians, urging citizens to maintain a positive outlook focused on the collective good of the nation.
"Let's celebrate Nigeria as a common entity. It is a great day and we must think very positively for the state and the nation," he emphasized.
The governor's comments come amid ongoing security concerns in Benue State, which has experienced persistent conflicts between farming communities and herders, as well as other forms of violence in recent years.
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