The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has condemned what it described as the “barbaric” suppression of peaceful protesters allegedly by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, following fresh killings in the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Daniel Ihomun, expressed outrage over reports that protesters gathered in mourning and solidarity were allegedly shot at and dispersed on the orders of the state government.
Alia is a member of the APC and was elected on the platform of the party in the 2023 governorship election.
“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.
He described the incident as “a new low in the governance of” the state, lamenting that the same government elected to protect the people had allegedly turned its guns on them.
“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 queried.
‘Deliberate Inaction’
The APC further said the ongoing violence in Benue communities had been worsened by the governor’s “deliberate inaction” and “glaring disinterest.”
The party accused the Alia-led government of failing to provide logistical support to security agencies or collaborate with stakeholders to prevent attacks, despite receiving security votes,.
The party also criticised the governor’s alleged dismissive stance on the crisis, citing previous comments where he allegedly referred to the killings as “mere skirmishes” and justified the presence of armed aggressors under ECOWAS protocols.
‘Gov To Blame For Crisis’
“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 APC warned.
The party demanded the immediate release of all arrested protesters and an independent investigation into the alleged shootings, as well as justice for the victims and an end to what it called a “culture of impunity”.
Meanwhile, the attack that sparked the protest occurred on Saturday, when suspected armed herders invaded the Yelwata community in Benue, leaving scores feared dead.
Former vice president and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the killings and urged both state and federal authorities to act swiftly.
“I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation,” Atiku said in a statement on X.
He called for a transparent investigation, enhanced security deployments, and support services for affected communities, including medical aid and trauma counselling.
“This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” Atiku stated.
Angry Youths Protest
In the wake of the killings, angry youths gathered early Sunday at the Wurukum food basket roundabout in Makurdi to demand justice.
The protesters, joined by social media activist Martin Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), called out what they described as a lack of response from President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alia.
One of the protesters, Solomon Amande, told journalists that the people were outraged by the silence of those in power.
“Women, children, the elderly – our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor,” he said.
When the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, attempted to address the crowd, they reportedly rejected him and insisted that only Governor Alia himself could address their concerns.
The protest escalated as security agents moved in, firing tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia, in a statement delivered through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata attack and assured residents that the government was engaging with security agencies and stakeholders to restore calm.
He noted that federal tactical units had been deployed to Benue, and more security reinforcements were expected.
“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 added.
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