Benue government: Alia didn’t downplay killings, his comments misrepresented

The Benue government has dismissed reports claiming that Hyacinth Alia, governor of the state, downplayed recent killings, insisting he did not deny the atrocities or their impact on affected communities.

During an event organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja on Thursday, Alia dismissed claims of religious genocide in Benue.

Peter Egbodo, commissioner for information and orientation in Benue, said in a statement on Friday that it is “worrisome” that the governor’s comments are being “deliberately misrepresented” by mischief makers.

Egbodo said Alia acknowledged the security challenges in the state and stressed that available facts do not show a pattern of faith- or ethnicity-based targeting.

“To set the record straight, His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia never denied the killings in Benue, nor did he make light of the effect of this senseless violence unleashed on hapless citizens,” the commissioner said.

He said the governor identified bandits and terrorists as perpetrators of the attacks and warned against allowing criminals to hide behind religion “in any guise”.

He added that Alia had also said in another video in circulation that the activities of the attackers appeared “well-coordinated” and their plans “followed religiously”.

The commissioner said the governor has intensified collaboration with security agencies, supported displaced communities with relief aid, and pushed for enhanced security presence at the national and international levels.

He said the government is also implementing long-term strategies to address the root causes of violence in the state.

“His Excellency continues to mourn with the bereaved, visit affected areas, and mobilise all levers of government to restore peace,” he said.

The government’s spokesperson said the administration recognises the trauma faced by communities affected by attacks and remains committed to protecting lives “without bias and without exception”.

He urged the public to view the governor’s comments within the context of his “unwavering dedication” to securing the state.

Egbodo said the governor’s remarks were not intended to downplay the grief of families who have lost loved ones.

He said Alia only clarified that the killings should not be framed solely along religious lines, noting that misdiagnosing the crisis could hinder multi-sectoral interventions already being implemented.