Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has dismissed allegations that the Federal Government has abandoned the state in its ongoing struggle against unrelenting attacks by armed assailants.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Governor Alia credited the reduction in violence across the state to the intervention and consistent backing from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“If he, President Bola Tinubu didn’t have an understanding of what is going on, he won’t be giving us full support,” Alia said, affirming the president’s commitment to security efforts in the state.
He noted that while 17 of the state’s 23 local government areas were initially overrun by violent groups, government action has helped regain control. “We fought it down to nine local governments. We fought it down to six and now to three. It came down because of the full support we got from the Federal Government,” he explained.
The governor also recounted a specific instance of federal military backing. “The last time we had some severe attacks, three security units were assigned to us from the Federal Government. They came in and there was a huge shift. Those who had occupied the spaces in the local governments had to leave,” he said.
Benue, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has long been the target of violent invasions, frequently blamed on suspected herdsmen. While the violence is often attributed to a mix of land disputes and ethno-communal strife between local farmers and nomadic cattle herders, the recent spate of killings has been especially brutal and sustained.
On June 15, 2025, the Yelewata community suffered one of the deadliest assaults yet, with 59 people—including members of the military and civil defense—losing their lives during a nighttime raid. Just weeks earlier, in April, another 60 individuals were massacred in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while May brought further tragedy with 42 reported deaths in Gwer West LGA.
Despite these devastating incidents, Governor Alia maintains that progress is being made. His remarks underline the importance of federal assistance in reclaiming and securing Benue’s vulnerable communities.
