Alia rejects allegations of silence over Benue killings

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has rejected allegations that he remained silent over the killings in Ayilamo community in Logo Local Government Area, describing them as unfair and cheap blackmail.

He disclosed this while reacting to comments credited to Dr Terver Akase, media consultant to the PDP governorship candidate, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.

He said the allegations were nothing more than an attempt by a sinking party to manufacture excuses for its impending defeat in 2027.

Governor Alia said criticism and accountability are essential ingredients of democracy and good governance, but argued that public discourse and political campaigns should be guided by facts and a fair assessment of records.

“The opposition should not be allowed to distract this administration from the task of transforming the state to its rightful enviable height,” he said

Alia expressed concern that former Governor Samuel Ortom and PDP candidate Michael Aondoakaa, who both had opportunities to serve at various levels, failed woefully by the same standards they now seek to impose on others.

Governor Alia queried why killings continued in Benue during the Ortom administration, even after what he described as the “so-called signing of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Law”, which the opposition now celebrates as the only solution to insecurity.

He also accused the PDP government of operating the joint account system for local governments, which it is now condemning, and blamed Aondoakaa for turning a blind eye when his godfather opposed and deliberately refused to grant local government autonomy.

“Aondoakaa’s attitude is double standard,” the governor said.

Alia maintained that the 2027 elections would not be decided by press statements, political theatrics or partisan spin, but by the people through the ballot box.

He expressed optimism that on that day, the records of his administration would speak louder than propaganda.

According to the governor, Benue has moved on from the agents of stagnation and is looking towards a future defined by development, investment and progress. He urged members of the public to disregard falsehood.