Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has accused certain individuals he referred to as “religious bandits” of aggravating the ongoing security crisis in the state.
Speaking in Makurdi on Thursday during the 2025 Democracy Day celebration, Governor Alia said while many traditional and religious leaders are working with his administration to restore peace, a few others are using their platforms to incite division and unrest.
“There are some religious leaders I call ‘religious bandits’ who are fueling the bad experiences we are having here,” he said. “They do this through their rhetoric—what they say. If you don’t have the facts about Benue and Nigeria, shut up. Don’t speak just because you have the altar or the oil.”
The governor said the Democracy Day event should serve as a moment of sober reflection, especially for a state still reeling from insecurity.
“It is not yet Uhuru for us in Benue State. We are still burying our dead—people killed without provocation,” he lamented. “We must intensify efforts to eradicate this menace of violence and killings.”
Governor Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity, especially in the six local government areas identified as flashpoints. He expressed confidence that with continued federal support, lasting peace will return to Benue.
He also called for unity and patriotism, urging citizens to remain hopeful and committed to the collective progress of the nation.
“Let’s celebrate Nigeria as one indivisible entity. This is a great day, and we must think positively about the future of our state and our country,” he said.
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