Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has revealed that foreign terrorists, not just herders, are behind the escalating violence in Benue State, noting that many attackers are heavily armed, move without cattle, and cannot speak any Nigerian language.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television's The Morning Brief on Monday, Governor Alia clarified that President Bola Tinubu has not abandoned Benue, emphasizing that the Federal Government has been providing security forces and resources to combat the ongoing violence.
Federal Support Reducing Violence
According to the governor, federal intervention has significantly reduced the number of local government areas under attack from 17 to just three. Following recent deadly incidents, three federal security agencies were deployed to Benue State, forcing invaders to withdraw from occupied territories.
"From our conversations and the intelligence reports shared with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, many of these terrorist activities are linked to foreign elements entering through Benue," Alia stated.
Beyond Traditional Farmer-Herder Conflicts
The governor expressed concern that the violence has transcended the traditional farmer-herder crisis, with many attackers now being "heavily armed and moving without cattle." This development has prompted authorities to classify them as "armed herders" rather than traditional pastoralists.
"They don't speak any Nigerian dialect. Even if they are locally connected, they are not from the area," he emphasized, suggesting a foreign terrorist element in the attacks.
Alia also warned of possible internal collaboration, stating, "Some of them are being aided by people within."
Border Security Concerns
The governor highlighted serious security challenges along Benue's borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa states. These porous borders have allegedly facilitated the entry of foreign elements responsible for the attacks.
Recent months have witnessed an alarming increase in violence across Benue State. On June 15, 2025, a night attack on the Yelewata community resulted in 59 deaths, including security personnel. Similar mass killings have occurred in Ukum, Logo, and Gwer West LGAs in April and May, with dozens of civilians murdered.
The violence has sparked national outrage and international condemnation, with Pope Leo XIV describing the Yelewata massacre as an act of "extreme cruelty." Opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi have also condemned the actions of what they termed 'foreign criminals.'
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