The Benue State chapter of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing his administration of using state power to silence peaceful protesters mourning fresh killings in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, June 15, APC spokesperson Daniel Ihomun condemned what he called “state-sponsored brutality” against demonstrators who gathered to express grief and demand action following the deaths of scores in Yelwata.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter, under the leadership of Austin Agada, expresses deep sympathy to the resilient people of Benue State who, faced with unrelenting violence and government silence, took to the streets in peaceful protest, only to be met with state-sponsored brutality,” Ihomun said.
Despite being elected under the APC platform in 2023, Governor Alia came under fire from his party, which described the police response as “a new low in the governance of” Benue State.
“What further proof is needed that the Alia administration has not only failed in its primary duty to protect lives and property but is now complicit in the suffering and silencing of its citizens?” the statement asked.
The party further accused the governor of failing to support security agencies, neglecting collaboration with community stakeholders, and misusing security funds.
It cited past remarks in which Alia allegedly downplayed the crisis as “mere skirmishes” and justified the presence of armed groups under ECOWAS protocols.
“This most recent assault on peaceful protesters marks a dangerous descent into authoritarianism. We hold the governor personally responsible for the worsening crisis and his administration’s silence and complicity,” the party warned.
They called for an independent investigation into the crackdown, justice for victims, and the immediate release of those arrested.
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The protest that triggered the condemnation took place early Sunday at Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi. It followed Saturday night’s attack by suspected armed herders in Yelwata, which left dozens feared dead.
Among the protesters was popular activist Martin Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, who joined locals in calling out the perceived silence of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alia.
One protester, Solomon Amande, told reporters, “Women, children, the elderly – our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”
When Deputy Governor Sam Ode attempted to address the protesters, they reportedly rejected him, demanding instead that Governor Alia speak directly to them.
The demonstration ended in chaos after security operatives fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In response to the violence, the governor’s office issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary condemning the Yelwata killings and assuring citizens that security efforts were underway.
“The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents,” the statement said.
Despite these reassurances, tensions remain high in Benue as residents question both local and federal resolve to end the cycle of violence.