Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia continues to receive attacks and condemnation over his reluctance to condemn the wanton killings across the state, especially following the recent disclosure of the Federal Government's plan to establish pilot ranching hubs in Benue and four other States in the country's middle belt region. In one of the latest reactions, the Benue State chapter of the NDC today warned Alia against partnering with what the party described as "enemies under the guise of ranches establishment" in Benue State over what it also refers to as a Greek gift from the federal government. A statement signed by Agile Ordedoo Bem, the party's Publicity Secretary in Benue State warned Governor Alia against entering into any arrangement capable of compromising the land, security and interests of the people of the State. The statement urged the Governor to reject what it described as the antics of those who have previously approached the State under different guises, which, according to the party, could further threaten the peace and livelihoods of Benue people. The party questioned why the Benue State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alia, has allegedly failed to effectively enforce the existing Anti-Open Grazing Law in the State, yet was quick to embrace the Federal Government’s proposed ranching initiative. According to the NDC, Benue State has lost enough lives to insecurity, even as many communities continue to face attacks and displacement. The party expressed concern that the State Government appears overwhelmed by the security situation and has failed to provide adequate protection for the people. The party accused the Governor of focussing more on his re-election bid while the people of Benue continue to face security challenges and wanton loss of lives and called on the people of the State to remain vigilant and resist any arrangement that could endanger their ancestral lands, livelihoods and security. The party also urged the people to use their democratic rights to vote out the APC-controlled government and elect a government that will prioritise the safety, welfare and economic interests of Benue people. The statemwnt further advised individuals and organisations genuinely interested in doing business in Benue State to acquire land through lawful means, establish their private ranches, conduct their businesses peacefully and fulfil their tax obligations to the government. It insisted that nobody should be allowed to use any guise to forcefully take over the ancestral lands of Benue people, stressing that the rights, security and livelihoods of the people must remain paramount in every government policy or development initiative. The party's official position is in tune with that of its Governorship candidate Prof. Terhemba Shija who recently raised alarm that the State faces an existential problem. "Our beloved state is currently facing an existential threat," Shija had declared while accepting the party's nomination as Benue State candidate. "Hundreds are butchered every other day in cold blood. Large swathes of ungoverned spaces are being created every week as murderous terrorists' herdsmen and illegal miners take over ancestral lands. Scores of schools, hospitals, and markets have ceased to exist for many years in at least nine local government areas of the state. IDP Camps have multiplied in at least one third of the state, housing close to one million inmates in dirty and inhuman conditions." Meanwhile, he said, "The current administration has intentionally normalized this situation of insecurity, underdevelopment, humiliation, dehumanization, and poverty with relish. While thousands of innocent citizens are killed and villages sacked, agriculture, which is the main occupation of Benue people, is abandoned. Farmers have fled their farms in fear of killer herdsmen. There is no subsidy to peasant farmers. Our people are perpetually stagnating in poverty and deprivation. Tens of thousands of our young graduates remain unemployed as there are no jobs created for them." Prof. Shija and the Benue NDC national assembly candidates in next year's elections also reaffirmed their total commitment to providing purposeful leadership that prioritizes the security, welfare and overall prosperity of Benue people.

Posted: 2months ago

Author: Editor in Chief

Current date: 18 October 2026