Some Politicians In National Assembly, In Abuja Are Architects Of Killings In Benue, Says Governor Alia

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has made a startling revelation about the recent surge in attacks across the state, claiming that some serving politicians in the National Assembly are behind the violence. 

According to Governor Alia, these politicians are not only instigating the attacks but also harbouring and financing the terrorists.

SaharaReporters reports that Benue State along other North Central States has witnessed a escalation brutal attacks in the recent weeks with several local government areas experiencing violent onslaughts that have claimed numerous lives.

Featuring on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Governor Alia declared “We are under siege," adding that “the way these attacks come and the intel we receive, it is a directed calibrated plan and then executed."

Alia, who was visibly distressed over the carnage going on in his state, described the attacks as "directed, planned, and executed" with intelligence reports showing a high level of accuracy, around 60-65%.

"We are receiving those intel. Of late, each of the intel we receive, 60 to 65 per cent of it is quite accurate.

“And then when you realise what is going on, it is beyond just conflict, it is beyond just an ethnic fight between herders and farmers in our state, it is directed, it is planned and then it is executed, it is some terrorism.”

Alia emphasised his commitment to protecting the lives of Benue people, stating it was his right to do so.

He, however, insisted that he no longer viewed the attacks as a clash between farmers and herders.

According to him, those carrying out the attacks were specialised killers—terrorists who engage in a form of guerrilla warfare.

“For some reason, none of them is ever caught, they come in in the thick of the night, hit, run and nobody sees a trace. So, it is some terrorism that is eating us up,” he remarked.

While accusing some politicians in Abuja of sponsoring the attacks, the governor revealed that an interim report from a judicial panel he set up had indicted several big names. 

The panel's report is expected to be finalised next week, after which Alia vowed to take up the matter seriously.

“We set up a judicial panel to sort out for us why we kept having attacks from within and from without and we have received an interim report. Between Tuesday and Wednesday next week, I am going to get a full report from the panel. 

“It is very unsettling because some politicians who are very functional and are in the National Assembly and are in Abuja are the architects and arrowheads of not just instigating but harbouring and keeping these people, keeping them in the bushes and taking care of all their bills and buying all the gadgets for them. 

“This is extremely unacceptable. If they do not like the lives of the people and are fighting for their own political position, I think I am serving the interest of the common masses and it is my right to protect them. 

“So, once we receive this report the coming week, we are going to take it up and take it seriously."