The Benue State National Assembly Caucus has strongly denied accusations made by Governor Hyacinth Alia that members of the caucus are sponsoring violent attacks across the state.
Governor Alia, speaking on national television, alleged that some National Assembly members were not only instigating attacks but also sheltering and financially supporting those carrying them out. He claimed they were “keeping these people in the bushes,” and “buying all the gadgets for them.”
In a statement released Thursday at the National Assembly, the caucus—through Senator Abba Patrick Moro, who represents Benue South and serves as Senate Minority Leader—dismissed the allegations as “baseless, reckless, and irresponsible.”
The statement, titled Alia’s Many Lies, read in part:
“The Benue State Caucus of the National Assembly saw with consternation Governor Alia’s umbrage on the National Assembly members from Benue State on the security challenges confronting the state.”
The lawmakers accused Governor Alia of consistently vilifying the National Assembly members instead of addressing the worsening insecurity in Benue. They recalled how Alia once referred to them as “bokoti” (a term meaning “useless people”) for raising alarm over the deteriorating security situation in the state.
The caucus also criticized the governor for failing to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law passed by the state legislature, even after a Senate resolution urged its enforcement. They said Governor Alia has made conflicting statements about the source of the violence—alternating between blaming land-grabbing invaders and defending the attackers as foreigners protected by ECOWAS protocols.
They expressed shock that the governor, during a church service, once claimed there had been no killings in Benue since he took office in May 2023, despite numerous attacks in areas like Bonta and Ukpute.
The statement further condemned the governor’s alleged lack of empathy and refusal to visit or support affected communities, accusing him of remaining in the “comfort of Government House, Makurdi,” while citizens suffered.
“Members of the Caucus… unequivocally and without any fear of contradiction, deny the allegation that they are sponsoring Fulani militia to attack and kill their people,” the statement said.
The lawmakers outlined their demands, including:
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A public retraction and apology from Governor Alia.
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An investigation by the Inspector General of Police into the governor’s allegations.
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A call for the governor to shift focus from blame to governance and stop using non-state actors to intimidate political rivals.
They concluded by contrasting Alia’s approach to other governors in conflict-affected states like Borno and Plateau, accusing him of politicizing security while shirking leadership responsibilities.
