Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has raised alarm over a fresh wave of violence that has devastated communities in Guma, Logo, and Ukum local government areas, resulting in the deaths of nearly 600 people and the displacement of thousands.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a high-level condolence visit led by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, the governor described the recent attacks as systematic and deliberate assaults intended to decimate entire populations.

“Our people were viciously attacked on Christmas Day, and again on Good Friday—these are clearly not isolated incidents,” Alia said. “We strongly suspect these are orchestrated operations targeting the annihilation of our communities.”

Alia disclosed that the town of Anyiin, home to the senator representing Benue North-East, was struck again on Tuesday, with at least 11 confirmed deaths. He reported a grim toll, stating, “As of April 17, 2025, we’ve recorded 598 fatalities in some of the worst-hit areas.”

He reiterated Benue’s commitment to the anti-open grazing law, urging the Federal Government to support its enforcement to protect farmlands and ancestral heritage.

NSA Ribadu, who visited on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, extended the Federal Government’s condolences and expressed solidarity with the people of Benue. “President Tinubu asked me to come personally and assure you that the nation stands with you,” Ribadu said.

Acknowledging that Benue had enjoyed a period of relative peace, Ribadu warned that the recent resurgence in violence poses a grave threat not only to local communities but also to national food security.

“Benue is the food basket of Nigeria. If insecurity festers here, it threatens the whole nation’s food supply,” he noted.

Drawing comparisons with global hotspots like Mali, Sudan, and Afghanistan, Ribadu emphasized the need for persistent and unified efforts to tackle terrorism and banditry. “This crisis didn’t start yesterday—it’s been over 15 years in the making. Solving it will take sustained commitment,” he said.

He concluded with a pledge of federal responsiveness, stating, “We were in Plateau. Now we are in Benue. Wherever crisis emerges, this administration will show up.”