Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has blamed those he described as “religious bandits” for fueling the prolonged crisis in the state.
The governor made the remarks in Makurdi on Thursday during an event commemorating Nigeria’s 2025 Democracy Day.
He pointed out that while many traditional and religious leaders are actively collaborating with his administration to restore peace, some are allegedly stoking division and unrest.
“There are also some religious leaders that I call ‘religious bandits’ who are fueling the bad experiences that we are having here,” Governor Alia stated.
“How do they support that? By their rhetorics, by what they speak. If you do not have the facts about Benue and Nigeria, shut up. Don’t just say something because you have the holy altar and oil to speak.”
The governor said the Democracy Day celebration should inspire sober reflection, particularly in a state still grappling with security challenges.
“It is not yet Uhuru for us in Benue State. We are still burying our dead, who are killed unprovoked,” he lamented. “It is not just hope but an intense effort to ensure that we take out this total menace of carnage and killings.”
He assured the public that the government remains committed to tackling insecurity, especially in the six local government areas classified as flashpoints. Governor Alia expressed optimism that with sustained federal support, peace will be fully restored.
Calling for unity and patriotism, he urged Nigerians to remain positive and focused on the nation’s collective good.
“Let’s celebrate Nigeria as a common entity. It is a great day and we must think very positively for the state and the nation,” he said.
