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By Tracy Moses
A wave of anger and disappointment has greeted the response of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, following the gruesome massacre of residents in Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area.
The deadly attack, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, has once again cast a grim shadow over the state’s worsening security situation.
The governor’s official reaction, released more than 24 hours after the incident via a Facebook post by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, has been heavily criticized by residents and youth groups with many describing the statement as “belated,” “recycled,” and lacking in empathy or urgency.
“If you like, build all the skyscrapers you want, but if the lives of your people are not safe, then you have achieved nothing,” lamented Terna Avaan, a resident of Makurdi. “The governor’s primary duty is to protect lives and property. On that score, he has failed woefully.”
In the statement, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the killings.
“Gov Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pain and grief caused by this vicious attack on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen. He has directed a multi-pronged response involving both local and federal authorities, ” the statement read in part.
But for many, words are no longer enough.
“You people are the problem of this state. Enough of these recycled statements. When will action speak louder than press releases?” questioned Terver Fidelis, one of many irate residents who took to social media to express their frustrations.
Humanitarian worker, Benjamin Igber, who has been active in the region, accused the governor of turning the security crisis into a political blame game.
“It’s baffling that a Man of God would rather shift blame onto Benue’s sons than confront the real threat. His inaction is disturbing,” he said.
Another critic, Tordue George, faulted the administration’s communication strategy, describing it as uncoordinated and damaging. “This response came 28 hours after the attack. Mr. CPS, your slow, often-edited statements are harming the governor more than helping,” he said.
According to the CPS, Gov Alia has directed the immediate deployment of tactical units from federal security agencies to forestall further attacks. He also extended condolences to the bereaved families and assured them that efforts were ongoing to engage traditional rulers, local leaders, and security stakeholders to enhance the state’s security architecture.
“The government is actively engaging federal security agencies and local actors to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent future attacks. Joint security operations are also being reinforced across the state, ” Kula said.
The State’s Deputy Governor, Barr. Sam Ode, who visited Yelewata on behalf of the governor, pledged the administration’s commitment to justice and to restoring peace in the beleaguered community.
However, residents like Vershima Paul remain unconvinced.
“Relying solely on federal troops is not the solution. What is the governor doing to support and mobilize local defense groups? Our people are being slaughtered while we wait,” he said.
Adding his voice to the growing concern, former Senate President, David Mark condemned the killings and urged both the state and federal governments to act swiftly.
“This is no longer about politics. It is about human lives. The people of Benue have endured too many tragedies. Security must be treated as a matter of emergency, not routine bureaucracy,” he said.
Speaking with Pointblanknews.com after the governor’s statement, Hon. Thaddeus Orkpe, an aspirant for the Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, expressed deep sorrow.
“I am deeply saddened by the senseless and brutal attack that claimed the lives of innocent citizens in Yelewata. My thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families and the entire community during this time of immense sorrow,” he said.
Amid the outrage, the government has called for calm and discouraged any form of retaliatory attacks or unlawful assemblies, urging communities to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies.
“Benue State remains resolute in its commitment to justice, security, and peaceful coexistence,” Kula affirmed.