Nigerian Govt Contradicts Governor Alia’s Claim, Says Over 200 Killed in Benue Attacks

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has been contradicted by the federal government.

Alia had claimed that the recent attacks in the state were reprisals.

Reacting, FG contradicted his claim, officially confirming that over 200 people were killed in what it described as a “cruel and calculated” massacre.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume, made this known in a press statement released on Monday through his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum.

Earlier, the governor had claimed ‘only’ 59 persons lost their lives in the attack in what he descrined were ppossibly reprisals carried out by armed herders using known routes from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

Akume, while reacting to the tragic killings in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area, described the attack as “mindless barbarism” and “totally unacceptable.”

“I am horrified by the scale of this attack. That over 200 human lives could be wiped out in such a cruel and calculated manner is an affront to our shared humanity,” he stated.

While consoling the bereaved families and survivors, the SGF emphasized the need for urgent collective action to address the security crisis. He urged political, religious, and traditional leaders to “join forces and work collectively toward ending insecurity in Benue State and across Nigeria.”

“As a former governor, I understand the complex challenges associated with fighting insecurity. However, we must all stand together, regardless of our differences, to confront and defeat this evil,” Akume said.

He expressed confidence in the recent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Service Chiefs, urging swift action to restore peace.

“This is at the core of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. We must not relent until every community is safe,” he added.

“What we’re witnessing today, if someone describes it as reprisal attacks, we wouldn’t entirely disagree,” the governor said.