The All Progressives Congress in Benue State has strongly condemned the reported use of force against peaceful protesters in Makurdi by the government of Governor Hyacinth Alia, following the deadly attack in Yelwata community.
Governor Alia, who is also a member of the APC, was elected under the party’s platform in the 2023 governorship election.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Benue APC described the government’s actions as “barbaric,” expressing concern over how protesters mourning the killings were allegedly attacked by security agents.
The party’s spokesperson, Daniel Ihomun, said, “The All Progressives Congress, Benue State Chapter, under the leadership of Austin Agada, expresses deep sympathy to the resilient people of Benue State who, faced with unrelenting violence and government silence, took to the streets in peaceful protest, only to be met with state-sponsored brutality.”
Ihomun said the incident marked a sad moment in the state’s governance and questioned the commitment of Governor Alia to protecting his people.
“What further proof is needed that the Alia administration has not only failed in its primary duty to protect lives and property but is now complicit in the suffering and silencing of its citizens?” he asked.
The APC said the ongoing violence in the state had been made worse by what it called the governor’s “deliberate inaction” and “glaring disinterest.”
The statement also accused Alia of not supporting security agencies or working with local leaders to prevent attacks, despite receiving funds meant for security. The party criticised the governor for allegedly referring to past attacks as “mere skirmishes” and said he once justified the presence of armed attackers under ECOWAS protocols.
“This most recent assault on peaceful protesters marks a dangerous descent into authoritarianism,” the party warned. “We hold the governor personally responsible for the worsening crisis and his administration’s silence and complicity.”
The APC demanded the immediate release of any protesters arrested and called for an independent investigation into the alleged shootings. They also asked for justice for victims and an end to what they described as a “culture of impunity.”
The protest on Sunday came after an attack on Yelwata community on Saturday, where suspected armed herders killed many residents. The exact number of deaths has not yet been confirmed, but many are feared dead.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also reacted to the killings. In a statement on X, he said, “I am deeply anguished and shocked by the devastating news of the fresh attacks in Benue State, where over 100 innocent lives are feared lost. These killings, once again targeting defenceless communities, underscore the escalating insecurity crisis facing our nation.”
He urged the federal and state governments to take urgent action, calling for a proper investigation, stronger security, and support for affected families.
“This is not just a local tragedy; it is a national emergency,” Atiku said.
The protests in Makurdi started early Sunday morning at the Wurukum food basket roundabout. The protesters, joined by popular social media activist Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, demanded justice and called out the silence of both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Alia.
A protester, Solomon Amande, told journalists, “Women, children, the elderly – our people are being slaughtered, and there’s no word from the president or our own governor.”
When the Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, tried to speak to the protesters, they refused to listen and asked that Governor Alia come himself.
Tensions rose when police and soldiers arrived and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. Despite this, many of the protesters remained and said they would not back down.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia, in a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, condemned the Yelwata killings and promised that more security forces would be deployed to the area. He said federal tactical teams had already arrived and that the government was in talks with local leaders to improve security.
“The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents,” the statement said.
