The Benue National Assembly caucus denies Governor Alia’s claims of sponsoring attacks, calling his statements reckless and demanding an apology and police investigation
The Benue State National Assembly Caucus has firmly denied Governor Hyacinth Alia’s claim that its members are behind violent attacks in the state.
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In a strongly worded statement, the caucus described the governor’s accusation as baseless, reckless, and unbecoming of a state leader.
Governor Alia had alleged during a television interview that certain National Assembly members from Benue were “instigating” and financially supporting attackers, allegedly harbouring them in the bushes and supplying them with equipment.
Responding on Thursday through Senate Minority Leader and Senator for Benue South, Comrade Abba Patrick Moro, the caucus labelled Alia’s comments as dangerous falsehoods.
The statement, titled Alia’s Many Lies, accused the governor of deflecting blame for his failure to address the worsening security situation in the state.
The lawmakers recounted how Governor Alia previously dismissed motions on insecurity raised by Senators Abba Moro and Emmanuel Udende, claiming they misled the Senate.
They also criticised the governor’s refusal to implement the Open Grazing Prohibition Law, despite Senate directives.
The caucus further noted that Alia once declared there had been no killings in Benue since he assumed office, despite well-documented attacks in Konshisha, Oju, and other areas.
“In a characteristic demonstration of irresponsibility and show of lack of understanding of governance,” the statement said, “a governor in the full glare of a national television would accuse his people of killing their own people.”
The lawmakers denied any links to Fulani militia or any sponsorship of violence, asserting their commitment to supporting and mourning with their constituents.
They contrasted Governor Alia’s posture with that of governors in similarly affected states, who appeal for federal intervention rather than blame political opponents.
The caucus concluded by demanding a public apology from Governor Alia and a full investigation by the Inspector General of Police.
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They also urged the governor to focus on governance and stop using non-state actors to intimidate his critics.
