By Kingston Magare 21.11.2025
A group of Benue State governorship aspirants in the 2027 elections have criticised Benue governor Hyacinth Alia over his recent remarks; “there is no religious genocide in Benue State.”
The group from the All-Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, All Progressive Grand Alliance and African Democratic Party said in a press conference in Abuja on Friday that governor Alia’s position is a dangerous denial that undermines security, humanitarian support, and the dignity of victims.
“Denial of atrocities emboldens perpetrators,” the coalition said, adding that the Tor Tiv, HRM Prof. James Ayatse, had earlier described the series of attacks as a “genocidal and systematic land-grabbing action” in a statement delivered before President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Benue’s pain must be acknowledged. Benue’s losses must be documented. Benue’s future must be protected,” they said.
The aspirants include ESV Godwin Ityoachimin (APC), Joseph Waya (APGA), Prof. Terhemba Shija (ADC), Prof. Paul Angya (ADC), Prof. Dennis Ityavyar (PDP) and Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha (PDP)
However, in a statement Friday governor Alia said his statement was misunderstood and misinterpreted.
A statement by Commissioner for information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Egbodo, explained: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Governor’s statement was neither an attempt to downplay the painful realities on ground nor a dismissal of the grief of families who have lost their loved ones.
” His Excellency is fully aware of the weight of every life lost in Benue State, and he continues to treat the security challenges confronting the State with the urgency and seriousness they demand.
” It is important to emphasise that the Governor’s clarification that the killings should not be defined or framed purely along religious line, was made in the interest of accurate reporting, responsible public discourse, and effective response.
” Misdiagnosing the nature of the crisis may hinder the multi-sectoral solutions already being implemented.
” What His Excellency sought to communicate is that the conflict is complex, involving criminality, land-use tensions, and targeted acts of violence that require strategic, intelligence-driven interventions beyond religious categorization.”