Former Governor of Benue State, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has strongly condemned the recent attack on the incumbent Governor, Hyacinth Alia, describing it as “shameful, uncivilized, and a disgrace to the image of the state.” The incident, which involved a group of angry youths reportedly pelting Governor Alia’s convoy with stones, has drawn widespread criticism from political leaders and civil society groups across Nigeria.

The attack occurred during the governor’s visit to a community in the state as part of his ongoing statewide tour. The unrest reportedly stemmed from local grievances over perceived marginalization, lack of development projects, and unmet campaign promises. However, Senator Suswam, in a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, emphasized that violence is never a justified means of expressing dissatisfaction.

Suswam: “This Is Not Who We Are”

Senator Suswam, who governed Benue State from 2007 to 2015, expressed deep disappointment over the behavior of the youths involved in the attack. According to him, the assault does not reflect the values of the Benue people, who are traditionally known for their hospitality, respect for leadership, and peaceful disposition.

“It is extremely disturbing that young people, who should be at the forefront of promoting peace and development, could descend to such uncivil behavior by attacking a sitting governor,” Suswam said. “Stoning Governor Alia is not only shameful, it is a dishonor to our collective image as a people.”

He further warned that political violence or acts of public disorder could set dangerous precedents for future political engagements in the state, calling on traditional rulers, youth leaders, and civil society organizations to rise to the occasion and ensure that law and order are maintained.

Political Differences Should Not Breed Violence

While acknowledging the tensions that often come with governance and political disagreements, Suswam insisted that differences must be handled through dialogue, constructive criticism, and lawful means—not aggression.

“Every citizen has the right to demand accountability from leaders, but there are civil and lawful ways to do so,” he noted. “Resorting to violence undermines our democratic institutions and deters development.”

The former governor also stressed the importance of giving the current administration the benefit of time and support needed to implement its agenda. “Governor Alia is less than two years into his administration. We must give him space to work while constructively holding him accountable. Violence will only derail our development goals,” he stated.

Call for Youth Engagement and Dialogue

Senator Suswam used the opportunity to call for deeper youth engagement in governance and decision-making. He urged the state government to create more platforms where the concerns of young people can be heard and addressed constructively.

“The youths must be included in the development agenda. Government must go beyond token engagements and initiate genuine dialogue with youth groups, community leaders, and grassroots stakeholders,” he said.

He also called on the youths to embrace responsible citizenship. “You have the numbers, you have the energy, you have the future in your hands. Do not allow yourselves to be manipulated or driven by frustration into actions that will haunt you and the state.”

Police and Government React

In response to the incident, the Benue State Police Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of the attack. The police assured that measures are being put in place to enhance the governor’s security and to prevent future occurrences.

Governor Alia’s spokesperson also issued a statement condemning the attack and reaffirming the governor’s commitment to continuing his tour and governance activities despite the provocation.

“The governor remains undeterred. He is committed to delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of Benue State,” the statement read. “No amount of intimidation will sway him from his mission to transform Benue.”

A Wake-Up Call

Observers believe the incident serves as a wake-up call for the state government and political actors to reassess the growing discontent among citizens, particularly at the grassroots level. While the attack is widely condemned, it also reflects a growing frustration with governance gaps and unfulfilled promises.

Political analysts say there is a pressing need for leaders to deepen communication with the public, deliver tangible results, and build trust across all segments of society.

Need for Political Maturity

Senator Suswam concluded his statement by calling for political maturity across party lines, reminding all stakeholders that the progress of Benue should be the priority above partisan differences.

“Our politics must not become a zero-sum game. We are all stakeholders in Benue’s future. Let us prioritize the well-being of our people above political competition,” he urged.

He also appealed to the media to play a responsible role by promoting balanced reporting and discouraging inflammatory narratives that could exacerbate tensions.

Moving Forward

As Benue State comes to terms with the unfortunate incident, there is a renewed call for peace, reconciliation, and unity among its people. While the state continues to grapple with developmental challenges, violence and public disorder threaten to erode the very foundations of democratic progress.

The onus now lies on both the government and citizens to restore confidence, rebuild dialogue, and work together toward a more stable and prosperous Benue. The stoning of a governor, regardless of political affiliations, is a stark reminder that political leaders and their constituents must foster mutual respect and pursue shared goals through lawful and peaceful means.