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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia for what it termed a violent crackdown on citizens who staged a peaceful protest in Makurdi to condemn the recent killings in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of the state.
The protest, held on Sunday at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, drew dozens of concerned citizens, including outspoken social media influencer Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
The demonstrators voiced their outrage over the massacre of villagers by suspected herdsmen and expressed deep frustration over what they called the government’s lackluster response to the recurring violence.
Trouble began when the Deputy Governor of Benue State, Sam Ode, arrived at the scene to speak with the protesters. His presence was immediately rejected by the aggrieved crowd, who demanded to hear directly from Governor Alia. Security operatives thereafter, moved in, using tear gas to break up the protest and reportedly arrested some of the participants.
Reacting to the incident, the Benue APC, in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun, on behalf of the Chairman, Austin Agada, described the government’s response as a shameful descent into authoritarianism.
According to the party, “The Alia-led administration has reached a new low by ordering the use of force on peaceful mourners who only sought to draw attention to the growing insecurity in their communities. Rather than offer protection, the government turned its guns on the people it swore to defend.”
The APC accused the governor of downplaying the recent massacre in Yelwata by referring to it as a “mere skirmish” and questioned his commitment to the safety and welfare of Benue citizens despite receiving security votes.
“The government must act proactively, not only after public outrage. Governor Alia must take responsibility for the brutality unleashed on protesters and ensure the immediate release of those unlawfully detained,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Alia condemned the attack on Yelwata and announced new security measures, including the deployment of federal tactical units and strengthening of joint operations to prevent further violence.
But the APC insisted that the administration’s response was reactionary and lacked the urgency expected in matters of public safety. The party called for an independent investigation into the incident, justice for the slain villagers, and an end to the culture of impunity in the state.
The crisis has sparked widespread outrage and may signal a deepening rift within the state’s political class, with many observers questioning the governor’s handling of both security and civil liberties.