Governor Alia Defends Tinubu, Says FG Has Given Full Support to Tackle Benue Killings

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has dismissed claims that the Federal Government has neglected the people of the state amid persistent attacks by armed marauders.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Governor Alia said President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been fully supportive in addressing the security crisis in Benue.

“If he (President Tinubu) didn’t have an understanding of what is going on, he wouldn’t be giving us full support,” Alia stated.

He revealed that, at the peak of the crisis, 17 out of the state’s 23 local government areas were under siege. However, due to interventions from the Federal Government, the number has reduced to just three LGAs still experiencing attacks.

“We fought it down from 17 to nine, then to six, and now three. The last time we had some severe attacks, three security units were assigned to us from the Federal Government. They came in and there was a huge shift. Those who had occupied the spaces had to leave,” he explained.

Benue State, known as a major food-producing hub in Nigeria’s North-Central zone, has been plagued by deadly assaults blamed largely on suspected herdsmen. These attacks, often linked to land disputes between indigenous farmers and nomadic herders, have persisted for years.

In the most recent incident on June 15, 2025, at least 59 people, including military and civil defense personnel, were killed in Yelewata community during a brutal night raid.

Just two months earlier, in April 2025, about 60 residents were killed in coordinated attacks across Ukum and Logo LGAs. In May 2025, suspected herdsmen reportedly killed another 42 people in Gwer West LGA.

Despite the continued bloodshed, Governor Alia insists that the Federal Government has been actively involved and remains committed to restoring peace across the troubled communities.