In a recent interview, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia mistakenly conflated the ongoing crisis in Ukum Local Government Area with the Bonta-Ukpute conflict, raising concerns about the accuracy of information reaching the state’s leadership. This misrepresentation has drawn sharp criticism from local community leaders who argue that it mischaracterizes the severity of the situation.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a recent interview, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia mistakenly conflated the ongoing crisis in Ukum Local Government Area with the Bonta-Ukpute conflict, raising concerns about the accuracy of information reaching the state’s leadership. This misrepresentation has drawn sharp criticism from local community leaders who argue that it mischaracterizes the severity of the situation.
The Ukpute Youth Leader, Chief Mike Ube, highlighted the continued violence in Ukpute, which began on July 5, 2024. Contrary to the Governor’s claim of “relative peace,” Ube stated that attacks by Bonta militia have persisted, causing significant suffering and displacing numerous residents. “Hardly a day goes by without assaults,” he said, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.
Ube criticized the Governor’s lack of action to address the violence, stating that while the Deputy Governor and former officials worked to delineate the boundary issues between the warring communities, the Governor has shown reluctance to engage due to ethnic pressures. He expressed concerns that the Governor might consider a land takeover under the guise of establishing a buffer zone, which would further dispossess the Igede people of their ancestral lands.
The youth leader also refuted the Governor’s assertion that the Awajir-Oju road is safe for travel, citing reports of ongoing attacks on commuters and a general abandonment of the road. He called for immediate measures to secure the area, including deploying security forces and establishing a commission of inquiry into the violence.
Ube urged the state government to prioritize the needs of displaced persons by establishing camps and providing essential services such as healthcare and education. He also called on representatives at both state and national levels to ensure the Governor is well-informed about the true state of affairs.
“We are indigenous people of Benue State, and our lives as a minority ethnic group matter,” Ube concluded, demanding urgent attention to the crisis.
The situation remains tense as the community seeks clarity and action from the state leadership to address the ongoing violence and its devastating impacts.
