Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has raised alarm over a fresh wave of violent attacks by suspected herdsmen that have claimed nearly 600 lives and displaced thousands across several local government areas.
Speaking on Tuesday during a condolence visit led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Governor Alia described the attacks as deliberate and coordinated assaults aimed at decimating entire communities.
“These are not random incidents,” Alia said. “They appear to be well-orchestrated efforts to wipe out our people. On Christmas Day and again on Good Friday, our communities were brutally attacked.”
The governor revealed that Anyiin, the hometown of the senator representing Benue North-East, came under attack again on Tuesday, resulting in at least 11 deaths.
“As of April 17, 2025, the total number of lives lost in these renewed attacks stands at 598,” he stated.
Governor Alia reiterated Benue’s commitment to the enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law, calling on the Federal Government to intensify support for its implementation. He emphasized that the law is critical for safeguarding the state’s agricultural base and ancestral lands.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu expressed the Federal Government’s condolences and solidarity with the people of Benue.
“I am here on President Tinubu’s directive to deliver his personal message of condolence,” Ribadu said. “The entire nation stands with Benue in this time of pain.”
While acknowledging that the state had experienced relative calm in recent months, Ribadu stressed that the renewed violence requires urgent, united action.
“Benue is not just Nigeria’s food basket—it symbolizes our national strength,” he said. “Continued attacks in areas like Guma and Sankera pose a serious threat to national food security.”
Ribadu warned against complacency, drawing comparisons with conflict-ridden countries such as Sudan, Niger, Mali, and Afghanistan. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent further escalation.
“Despite the challenges, Nigeria is still standing strong. No region is entirely under the control of criminal elements,” he said. “This crisis has been building for over 15 years—it will not be resolved in a year or two. But what matters is that this administration is engaged and committed.”
He added, “We were in Plateau. Now we are in Benue. Wherever crisis erupts, this government will respond.”
