By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
BENUE State Governor, Reverend Hyacinth Alia, has refuted claims that a Christian genocide is taking place in the state.
Addressing journalists during a recent briefing on the security situation, Governor Alia stressed that his position as a cleric does not hinder his responsibilities in public office. “I am a reverend father, so being in government does not take that away from me; I still remain one at the end of the day,” he said.
He maintained that, although Benue continues to grapple with security challenges, these should not be described as genocide. “In my state of Benue, we don’t have any religious, ethnic, racial, national, or state genocide,” he stated, urging the public to rely on the United Nations’ definition of genocide when assessing such claims.
Governor Alia noted that the insecurity in the state has deep historical roots, originating from farmer-related conflicts that have escalated over time. “Yes, we have lost a number of people, and we have provided background on the challenges that date back many years,” he said.
He reiterated that Benue is facing persistent security threats but insisted that these do not amount to targeted genocide against any group. The governor called for balanced analysis and continued government efforts to safeguard communities and tackle the long-standing issues.
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