Makurdi, Nigeria —
The African Action Congress (AAC) has come down hard on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, accusing him of unleashing a full-blown military-style assault on peaceful protesters in Makurdi with armoured vehicles, helicopters, and tear gas.
In a blistering statement issued Sunday, Agena Robert Ande, AAC Chairman for the Federal Capital Territory and a prominent human rights advocate, condemned what he described as “state-sponsored brutality” and “an outrageous display of thuggish governance.”
The protesters, who had gathered to demand an end to relentless killings in the state, were reportedly met with a barrage of violent suppression instead of dialogue or sympathy.
“Governor Alia’s deployment of heavy security machinery against unarmed citizens is a cowardly and inhumane act,” Ande said. “This is not governance — it’s thuggery under the guise of leadership.”
According to Ande, the protesters’ only demand was for Governor Alia to take decisive action against the frequent bloodshed allegedly carried out by armed herdsmen in various communities across the state.
“Rather than address the protesters or condemn the killings, the governor chose brute force. It’s a damning indictment of his administration’s empathy deficit and gross incompetence,” he added.
The AAC leader linked the root of Benue’s turmoil to the government’s consistent failure to confront the activities of violent herdsmen. He claimed the state’s silence has only emboldened attackers.
“These atrocities didn’t start yesterday. The Fulani herdsmen have carried out unchecked violence for years. Governor Alia’s attempts to shift blame or dodge responsibility show a dangerous unwillingness to confront reality,” Ande said.
He called on the governor to publicly condemn the attacks, initiate a people-centered security strategy, and hold perpetrators accountable. Ande also noted that several eyewitnesses claimed the attackers came from neighbouring Nasarawa State, urging cross-border collaboration to stop the spread of terror.
“The attackers reportedly came from Nasarawa. Alia must work with neighbouring governors to ensure their territories don’t become launchpads for terrorism,” he warned.
Commenting on reports of arrests and assault, Ande did not mince words:
“Beating peaceful protesters into stupor, firing live rounds, and handing them over to the police is not law enforcement — it is state tyranny. The people of Benue are losing patience.”
While the number of arrests remains unclear, the AAC insisted the protests were a sign that the people refuse to be silenced.
“The people of Benue will not forget the cruelty they faced under this administration. They will continue to demand justice and accountability,” Ande concluded.
As tensions mount in the state, AAC’s bold denunciation has amplified growing public outcry over the government’s handling of both the killings and the protesters’ treatment — setting the stage for increased scrutiny on Alia’s administration.
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