Amanze Chinonye
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has again dismissed claims of a religious or ethnic genocide in the state, insisting that recent violence does not meet the United Nations’ legal definition of genocide.
The governor stated this on Wednesday at a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) consultative forum in Abuja, where he addressed concerns over rising insecurity in one of Nigeria’s most volatile states.
Alia, a Catholic priest-turned-governor, said he had also communicated his position directly to the United States ambassador, arguing that despite elevated scrutiny from Washington, the situation in Benue remains rooted in land and resource conflicts rather than a targeted campaign against any religious or ethnic group. He emphasized that “no religious, ethnic, racial or national genocide” is taking place in the state and rejected claims of a jihadist offensive.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe governor’s comments come as Benue continues to suffer repeated deadly attacks that authorities variously attribute to armed herder militias, criminal gangs and terrorist elements. In a recent interview, Alia said the crisis had evolved beyond the traditional herder-farmer clashes and now bears the hallmarks of terrorism.
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Local Leaders, Rights Advocates Dispute Governor’s Position
Alia’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from traditional leaders and human rights advocates who accuse the state government of understating the severity of the violence.
The Tor Tiv, the paramount ruler of the Tiv ethnic group, has previously described the killings as a “calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion and land-grabbing campaign” carried out by armed herder groups and bandits directly contradicting the governor’s framing of the crisis.
Human rights lawyer Chief Malcolm Omirhobo also faulted Alia’s denial, citing recurring massacres, attacks on farming communities and targeted killings of traders. Advocacy groups argue that the frequency and scale of killings point to a systematic pattern of violence, even if not legally classified as genocide.
Documented Massacres and Widespread Displacement
Independent data and security reports show that Benue has experienced several major attacks in recent years. These include:
- Umogidi Massacre (April 2023): More than 50 villagers killed during coordinated attacks.
- Mgban Massacre (April 2023): An overnight assault on an IDP camp left at least 43 people dead.
- Akpanta Killings (March 2025): At least 38 people killed, with homes and places of worship destroyed.
- Odugbeho Massacre (June 2021): Over 40 people killed during a nighttime raid on Agatu communities.
According to the state’s Action Plan on displacement, about 83 percent of internal displacement in Benue is fuelled by farmer-herder conflict, underscoring the persistent and widespread nature of the violence.
A 2024 report by the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), drawing on ACLED conflict data, also identified Benue as one of the states with the highest rates of violence against civilians nationwide.
Competing International and Religious Narratives
The debate over whether the killings constitute genocide has intensified since the United States designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” over religious freedom. Christian groups such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have insisted that Christians are being targeted in Benue and across the Middle Belt.
However, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) rejects this framing, describing such claims as politically driven and insisting that both Muslims and Christians are victims of insecurity.
Alia Promises Security Reforms
Despite the controversy, Governor Alia says his administration is strengthening security operations and prioritizing protections for internally displaced persons. He maintains that accurately characterizing the crisis is essential for developing an effective response.
The governor’s stance, however, continues to face pushback from local leaders and civil society groups who argue that the scale of violence requires stronger terminology and stronger action.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
