Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has made startling allegations that some community members are collaborating with armed attackers responsible for the ongoing violence across the state.
In a recent interview with Channels Television, Governor Alia described the situation as "carnage" and pointed to a disturbing pattern suggesting internal collaboration in the attacks.
"What we are observing is a pattern, a simple but disturbing equation. A thief does not break into a community unless someone from within shows him the way," the governor stated.
Evolving Nature of Violence
According to Governor Alia, the crisis that began years ago in Makurdi and Guma local governments has since spread and intensified. He revealed that when his administration took office in 2023, 17 local governments were affected by violence.
"We fought hard and brought it down to nine, then six. But the attacks have resurged," he explained.
The governor identified Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu, and Guma as the local governments currently worst affected, noting that many had previously experienced relative peace.
"Guma had peace for over a year. People returned home, farmed and had a good harvest. But this farming season, the attacks have resumed, with a new face," Alia lamented.
Changing Tactics of Attackers
The governor emphasized that the nature of the attacks has evolved significantly from what was previously characterized as farmer-herder conflicts.
"They no longer bring cattle. These are not regular herders. What we now see are armed men carrying AK-47s and AK-49s. They come to attack, to kill and soon after, others move in to occupy the land," he explained.
Governor Alia also pointed to the state's borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa as potential sources of the attacks, noting that some attackers reportedly originate from the Cameroon axis.
"The attackers do not speak the Hausa or Fulani we know. Their language is unfamiliar," he added.
The ongoing violence has prompted calls for increased security measures and community vigilance across the affected areas.
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