Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stirred fresh national debate after asserting that the perpetrators of repeated attacks on communities across the state “do not bear the Nigerian look,” suggesting the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the ongoing wave of violence in the region.
The governor made this statement on Monday during a press briefing at Government House, Makurdi, following another deadly attack over the weekend in Guma Local Government Area, where over a dozen lives were reportedly lost and several homes destroyed.
Alia, who has consistently voiced concern over the security situation in Benue since assuming office, reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of residents. However, he stressed that the complexity and brutality of the attacks indicate that those behind them are not ordinary criminal elements or local bandits.
“The people invading our villages, killing our farmers, and burning down homes do not bear the Nigerian look. These are foreign elements. They are heavily armed, highly coordinated, and are clearly on a mission to displace our people,” Governor Alia stated.
Renewed Violence in Benue
Benue State has long been a flashpoint in Nigeria’s growing farmer-herder conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives over the last decade. The renewed violence in recent months has seen attacks escalate in frequency and intensity, particularly in Guma, Logo, Agatu, and Ukum LGAs — areas already grappling with food insecurity and mass displacement.
The most recent attack in Guma saw gunmen storm a farming settlement at night, killing residents in their sleep and setting several homes ablaze. Survivors who spoke to journalists described the attackers as “strange-looking” men who spoke unfamiliar languages and operated with military-style tactics.
Governor Alia said the mode of operation of the attackers has become more sophisticated, raising concerns that the violence is being orchestrated by forces outside Nigeria’s borders.
Call for Federal Government Intervention
The governor appealed to the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts in border surveillance and intelligence gathering, stressing that Nigeria’s porous borders continue to allow the inflow of arms and mercenaries.
“We cannot continue to watch helplessly as our communities are turned into killing fields. The federal government must deploy more troops and equip them adequately. Our borders must be monitored more strictly to stop this influx,” Alia said.
He further called on the National Assembly to support the creation of state policing systems that will empower local authorities to respond swiftly to emerging security threats.
Humanitarian Crisis and IDPs
The growing violence in Benue has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with over 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in makeshift camps and host communities across the state. Governor Alia lamented the strain this has placed on state resources, saying the displacement is affecting education, agriculture, and healthcare.
“How do we develop our state when our people cannot return to their farms or homes? This is beyond politics; this is about our survival,” he said.
The governor called on humanitarian agencies, NGOs, and the international community to support the state’s efforts in providing relief to affected communities.
Reactions Trail Governor’s Remarks
Governor Alia’s comments have drawn mixed reactions across the country. While many Benue residents and local stakeholders praised him for speaking out boldly, others cautioned against making generalizations that could escalate ethnic tensions.
Benue elder statesman, Chief Terhemba Kpera, supported the governor’s claims, stating, “Our people know their attackers are not from here. These are not herders we’ve lived with for generations — these are invaders.”
However, some security analysts urged restraint. Dr. Kabir Adamu, a security consultant based in Abuja, said while cross-border infiltration is possible, a proper investigation is needed to avoid inciting xenophobia.
“We need evidence-based assessments. Not everyone who looks or speaks differently is a foreigner. That said, the security apparatus must thoroughly examine these claims,” he noted.
Traditional Rulers Speak Out
Traditional rulers from across Benue also expressed frustration at the continuous killings, calling on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in the worst-hit LGAs.
Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse, said, “Enough is enough. Our people are dying, and no one is being held accountable. We need urgent and decisive action, not just words.”
Looking Ahead
As Benue State continues to grapple with insecurity, Governor Alia has pledged to work with all stakeholders — traditional institutions, community leaders, security agencies, and the federal government — to restore peace and ensure displaced persons can return to their ancestral lands.
“We will not fold our arms. Benue people have the right to live in peace, farm in peace, and sleep in peace. We will not rest until that is guaranteed,” he declared.
With the planting season underway, the urgency for peace is greater than ever. For now, Benue remains on high alert as security agencies are reportedly intensifying patrols and intelligence operations across volatile areas.
