How Benue Gov, Alia Deployed Armoured Vehicles, Helicopters, Tear Gas Against Unarmed Protesters
Agena Robert Ande, a human rights activist and Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the Federal Capital Territory, has condemned the violent dispersal of peaceful protesters in Makurdi, Benue State, describing the incident as “state-sponsored brutality” and a reflection of “utter incompetence and disregard for human life” by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ande said the protesters had gathered peacefully to demand an end to killings in the state, but were met with “unbridled violence, including the use of armoured vehicles, helicopters, and tear gas.”
He described the response by security forces as “a damning indictment of the government’s callous disregard for human life,” and criticised Governor Alia for ordering the crackdown rather than engaging with the demonstrators.
“Governor Alia’s decision to deploy security agents to disperse the crowd, rather than addressing the protesters and condemning the attacks, is a cowardly act that betrays his utter lack of empathy for the suffering people,” Ande said.
“The deployment of such heavy security machinery against unarmed protesters is an outrageous display of state-sponsored brutality that can only be described as thuggish.”
He linked the persistent violence in Benue State to the government’s failure to confront the underlying issues, particularly the activities of armed herdsmen accused of attacking communities.
“The ongoing killings in Benue State are a direct result of the government’s catastrophic failure to address the root cause of the problem,” he said. “The Fulani herdsmen’s atrocities have been ongoing for years, and the government’s inaction has emboldened them to continue their reign of terror. Governor Alia’s pathetic attempts to shift blame from one group to another are a clear indication of his lack of willingness to confront the issue head-on.”
Ande urged the governor to urgently condemn the killings and work with security agencies to develop a strategy to protect lives and property.
“It is imperative that Governor Alia takes immediate action to address the crisis in Benue State. This includes publicly condemning the killings and acknowledging the suffering of the people. He must work with security agencies to develop a comprehensive plan to protect the lives and property of citizens and hold perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions,” he said.
He also called attention to reports that some of the attackers were coming from neighbouring Nasarawa State.
“The role of neighbouring states, particularly Nasarawa State, in harbouring terrorists who attack Benue communities, cannot be overstated. So many victims specifically mentioned that the attackers are coming from Nasarawa State. Governor Alia must work with his counterparts to address this issue and ensure that their states are not used as a launching pad for attacks on other communities.”
Ande warned that the people of Benue are losing patience with the government’s response to the crisis.
“The people of Benue State are fed up with the government’s incompetence and insensitivity. They demand action, not empty promises. Governor Alia must rise to the challenge and demonstrate his commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens,” he said.
Commenting on the alleged assault and arrest of protesters, Ande said, “The brutality meted out to the protesters, including the use of live bullets and tear gas, is a grave concern. The fact that the governor’s thugs manhandled peaceful protesters, beating them to stupor before handing them over to the police, is a clear indication of the government’s disregard for human rights.”
Although the number of arrests made remains unclear, Ande emphasised that “the people of Benue State will not be silenced.”
He concluded the statement with a warning that Benue residents will continue to demand justice and accountability.
“The people of Benue State will not forget the actions of Governor Alia and the security agents who cracked down on peaceful protesters,” he said.
“They will demand accountability and justice for the brutality meted out to them. It is time for Governor Alia to take responsibility for the crisis in Benue State and work towards finding a solution.”
