Benue:Condemnation of the Brutal Killings in Turan Community and Rejection of False Narratives by Gov-Alia Officials

The All Progressives Congress APC Benue State Chapter, vehemently condemn the recent brutal attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen in Mbadura, Kumakwagh, Iyav Communities in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, which resulted in the gruesome murder of 19 innocent individuals. This heinous act is a stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity and violence plaguing Benue State, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many over the years.

We are appalled by the denial and dismissal of these attacks as “fake news” by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Homeland Security Chief, Mr Jacob Gbamwuan. Such a statement is not only insensitive but also a blatant disregard for the lives lost and the suffering of the affected families. The Governor Alia’s administration must take responsibility for the security of its citizens and address these atrocities with the urgency and seriousness they deserve.

Furthermore, the party strongly condemns the irresponsible and derogatory remarks made by Hon Maurice Orwough, the Local Government Chairman of Guma Local Government, who falsely claimed that peace has returned to communities in Guma and labeled Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) as “lazy people.” Such statements are not only untrue but also deeply offensive to the thousands of IDPs who have been forced to flee their homes due to relentless attacks by armed herdsmen. These individuals are victims of systemic violence and deserve empathy, support, and justice, not baseless accusations and stigmatization.

The recent attacks in Turan and other parts of Benue State are part of a broader pattern of violence that has left communities in constant fear. Over the past year alone, more than 2,300 people have been killed, and over 50 communities have suffered attacks, with about 16 out of 23 local government areas affected. The failure of the Alia administration to protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable has only emboldened these armed groups, leading to further bloodshed and displacement.

The party demands the following actions:

1. Immediate Investigation and Accountability: The perpetrators of the Turan attacks must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
2. Support for IDPs : The government must provide adequate humanitarian assistance to IDPs, including food, shelter, and healthcare, and facilitate their safe return to their Ancestral Homes.
3. Strengthened Security Measures : The state Government must strengthen security in rural communities and ensure the enforcement of the Anti-Open Grazing Law to prevent further encroachment and violence.
4. Public Apology and Retraction : Honorable Maurice Orwough must publicly apologize for his insensitive remarks and retract his false claims about the security situation in Guma Local Government.
5. Transparency and Communication : Governor Alia’s administration must provide transparent and timely updates on security measures and avoid dismissive statements that undermine the gravity of the situation.

The people of Benue State deserve peace, security, and justice. We stand in solidarity with the victims of these attacks and urge all stakeholders to work together to end the cycle of violence and impunity.