Massacres Mount in Benue as APC Presses Tinubu for Intervention

Written by Agboola Oluwafemi on May 27, 2025

News Views: 205

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has implored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to urgently intervene in the state’s deepening security crisis, declaring that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration has lost the capacity to stem the ongoing violence and bloodshed.

This appeal follows the killing of a police officer and 41 civilians across four communities in Gwer West Local Government Area—an atrocity the party described as “another tragic addition to the growing list of unprovoked attacks on the defenceless people of the state.”

In a statement issued Tuesday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, of the Austin Agada-led faction, the APC condemned what it called the state government’s complete failure to formulate or execute an effective security strategy.

“It is now crystal clear that the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has no strategy or capacity to address the persistent security crisis ravaging Benue communities,” Ihomun said. “The government’s inability to stem the tide of bloodshed has left our people vulnerable, and the silence from the corridors of power is both deafening and damning.”

The party also castigated the Benue State House of Assembly, criticising the lawmakers for their “conspicuous silence” and abrupt recess amid widespread killings.

“As representatives of the people, their inaction and failure to speak out against these atrocities is utterly unacceptable,” the statement declared. “The leadership of the Assembly has sadly turned its back on those they were elected to serve. At a time when our state is engulfed in what amounts to a genocide, there is absolutely no justification for legislative recess or passivity.”

Calling for decisive federal intervention, the APC urged the President to deploy additional security forces to the state.

“As defenders of our people, the APC Benue State Chapter calls on His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to urgently intervene by deploying more security personnel to the state to protect lives and restore peace. The state government has clearly run out of ideas and lacks the political will to confront this menace,” Ihomun said.

Reaffirming its position, the party demanded the immediate convening of a cross-party security stakeholders’ meeting involving National Assembly members, government appointees, youth leaders, clergy, traditional rulers, and security agencies.

“Our people deserve to live without fear. We will not keep silent in the face of continuous attacks and governmental indifference,” the party added.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a separate statement through his media aide, Kula Tersoo, condemned the killings and reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all Benue residents.

“He (Alia) stands resolute with the traditional institution, which has recently mandated the immediate evacuation of criminal herders and their accomplice terrorists from Benue lands,” the statement affirmed.

The governor further called on security operatives to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible.

“It is imperative that these criminal elements and their accomplices are apprehended and dealt with swiftly and justly in accordance with the laws of our land,” he declared.