The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has demanded the immediate resignation of the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over what it describes as gross incompetence and failure to adequately protect the people of the state.
HURIWA says Governor Alia has failed to demonstrate the capacity required to protect lives and property in Benue despite the continued attacks on communities across the state.
The association points to the scale of the killings recorded since May 29, 2023, as evidence of the worsening security situation.
Amnesty International reported in May 2025 that at least 6,896 people had been killed in Benue since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, making the state the worst affected among the states covered by its investigation. The organisation also reported that all 23 local government areas of Benue had suffered attacks and that more than 200 villages had been sacked.
The violence has continued.
In June 2025, more than 100 people were reported killed in the Yelewata attack in Guma Local Government Area, while thousands were forced from their homes. Amnesty International subsequently reported that more than 500,000 people had been displaced across Benue.
HURIWA says the repeated attacks, mass killings and displacement show that the people of Benue remain dangerously exposed to armed groups.
The association is particularly disturbed by the latest attack on Ayilamo in Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area.
According to local sources, heavily armed attackers invaded the community from Thursday night, September 10, into the early hours of Friday, September 11, killing several people.
The police have confirmed the attack and put the death toll at 11, comprising seven civilians and four mobile police officers.
The slain officers were identified as ASP Paul Ina; Inspectors Mohammed Yusuf, Oge Ikechukwu and Edeh Andrew.
HURIWA condemns the attack and demands a full investigation into the killings, including the identification, arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.
The association also demands accountability for the repeated failures that have allowed armed groups to attack communities, kill residents and destroy livelihoods with apparent impunity.
HURIWA says Governor Alia cannot continue to govern as if the persistent bloodshed in Benue is a normal security challenge.
The association recalls that Catholic leaders and other stakeholders from Benue have repeatedly raised the alarm over the killings, including during engagements with United States lawmakers. HURIWA says such international attention should have compelled stronger and more coordinated action by all levels of government.
The association is equally concerned about what it describes as attempts by political authorities to minimise or deny the severity of attacks on vulnerable communities.
HURIWA insists that Nigeria must never normalise terrorism, mass killings or the systematic displacement of rural communities.
The association therefore calls on Governor Alia to accept responsibility for his administration’s security failures and resign if he can no longer guarantee the protection of the people entrusted to his government.
HURIWA also calls on President Bola Tinubu to strengthen security operations in Benue, ensure the protection of vulnerable communities and compel the prosecution of those responsible for attacks.
The association demands that the security agencies thoroughly investigate the killings and bring the perpetrators and their sponsors to justice.
HURIWA insists that Nigerians have the right to demand accountability from every elected official whose constitutional responsibility includes the protection of lives and property.
Signed:
Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko
National Coordinator
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
