— linked worsening insecurity in Benue to alleged sour relationship between the governor and the SGF
Just as the Benue state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killings in Yelwata, Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, the Zone “A” People’s Assembly (ZAPA) has called on Governor Alia, to declare a state of security emergency in Benue.
The President, Zone “A” Peoples’ Assembly (ZAPA), Fanen Mondo, who urged the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to declare a state of emergency on security in the state, also urged him to lead the response.
He also attributed the worsening state of insecurity in Benue to the sour relationship that has existed between the state governor and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The ZAPA President, further alleged that the insecurity in the state was not a coincidence, just as he gave instances in the past where the sour relationship between the SGF and past governors of the state had worsened the security situation in Benue.
ZAPA, however told the governor to rise to the occasion, stressing that at this moment what Benue needed was a field commander, ready to defend the people as well as their ancestral land.
Shading light on happenings of the past, the ZAPA president explained that “Insurgency in Benue grew visibly when the political relationship between Senator George Akume and Senator Gabriel Suswam collapsed. Suswam, to his credit, responded with force but at a great personal and political cost. He was wrongly accused, arrested, and jailed after leaving office.
“Again, between 2016 and 2017, when Gov. Samuel Ortom fell out with Senator Akume, the killings intensified. That administration, already lacking vision, spiraled into chaos. Are we to believe that the current crisis resurfacing just as Senator George Akume’s relationship with Governor Alia deteriorates is merely a coincidence?
“We at ZAPA say no. The signs are clear, and the implications are damning. ZAPA stands with the people. We will continue to say it as it is for the greater good of Benue.
“The blood of our people cries for justice, and Benue will not remain silent in the face of silence. We call on all true sons and daughters of the state regardless of party, religion, or ethnicity to speak up and stand up. Benue shall rise again”, he said with optimism.”
Mondo, observed that, “In the past few months, we have witnessed a return of brutal, coordinated attacks on our people in communities such as Chito in Ukum, Tor Donga in Katsina-Ala, Turan in Kwande, Aôndoana in Gwer West, Yelwata in Guma, Apa, and Agatu. What links all these areas is not just blood and destruction it is silence. Silence from those in positions of power who should act. Silence from those who should speak.
“This is not the first time Benue has bled. But what makes this moment particularly tragic is that ZAPA foresaw this resurgence, having observed disturbing trends in the political and security landscape of our dear state.
“We warned that the evolving situation was not just about herders it was also about power plays aimed at destabilizing the administration of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Governor of Benue State. Regrettably, those warnings went unheeded.
“ZAPA and the good people of Zone A are disappointed that despite our early warnings, Governor Alia has failed to recognize the true political and security threats facing his administration and the state. His caution is understandable, but the times demand bold, decisive leadership.
“We urge him to rise to the occasion. Benue does not need a silent governor we need a field commander, ready to defend our ancestral land”, he noted.
Therefore, the group called on Governor Alia, to “Declare a state of emergency on security in Benue state and personally lead the response and publicly and firmly engage the Presidency, making it clear that some of the so-called Benue representatives in Abuja are detached from the sufferings of our people.”
The ZAPA president also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to “Deploy immediate and decisive military action to end the killings; provide emergency humanitarian support to affected communities and establish a long-term security framework, including forest surveillance and border control”, to arrest the incessant killings in the state.