The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has publicly dismissed recent allegations that Christians in Benue are the victims of a targeted genocide. While acknowledging serious security challenges, he argued that labeling the situation as “genocide” is misleading, urging citizens and observers to rely on verified information.
Insecurity vs. Genocide: What the Governor Says
At a public forum organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Governor of Benue stated clearly: “In my state of Benue, we don’t have any religious, ethnic, racial, national or state genocide… Do we have insecurity in the state? Yes, we do. But it is not a genocide.” (Daily Trust)
He added that for something to be characterized as genocide, it must fit the rigorous definitions established under international law, such as those in the United Nations framework — which, he argues, do not apply to Benue’s current situation. (Daily Trust)
He also strongly rejected claims that there is a "jihad" underway in Benue or anywhere else in Nigeria: “We do not have any jihad in Nigeria … If anything like that were happening … I would be the first to raise the alarm.” (Daily Trust)
Why These Allegations Are Being Raised
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Tor Tiv’s Warning: Some traditional authorities, including the Tor Tiv V of Benue, Prof. James Ayatse, have accused armed herders and bandits of carrying out a “calculated, well-planned, full-scale genocidal invasion” of Benue, rather than a simple farmers-herders conflict. (Sahara Reporters)
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Religious and Political Pressure: The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has echoed concerns about “ongoing Christian genocide,” calling for international intervention. (The Papers Nigeria)
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Broader Accusations: Similar claims have gained global attention, with some high-profile voices criticizing the Nigerian government for not protecting Christian communities effectively.
Other Perspectives: Experts and Civil Society
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Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN): According to CAN’s national office, insecurity in Nigeria affects both Christians and Muslims. Abimbola Ayuba, CAN’s Director of National Issues, warns that framing the violence purely as Christian persecution oversimplifies the reality. (thestar.ng)
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Reno Omokri’s Analysis: Commentator Reno Omokri argued that violence in Benue is not rooted in religious targeting but in deeper structural problems. He noted that when violence occurs in Christian-majority areas like Benue, more Christians may be victims — but Muslims are also killed in other regions. (Arise News)
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International Observers: The African Union has also weighed in. Its leadership recently stated that labeling the situation as genocide does not align with the scale or nature of the violence when compared to recognized genocidal crises elsewhere. (Reuters)
Reality on the Ground: Violence and Displacement
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In June 2025, at least 100 people were killed in coordinated attacks on the village of Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, Benue State. (AP News)
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Another attack in the same region resulted in at least 20 deaths, according to local authorities, although casualty numbers often vary between community reports and official statements. (AP News)
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Data from conflict-monitoring groups like the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) show that Benue has faced recurring violence, abductions, and mass displacement over the years — but many analysts say the root causes are complex, involving land tensions, criminality, and weak governance. (Daily Trust)
What the Governor Is Doing About It
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The Governor emphasized dialogue and peace-building: he recently met with international partners, including the U.S. Embassy, to clarify the situation and rebut claims. (Daily Trust)
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He urged media and civil society to focus on verified, on-the-ground facts, rather than sensational or politically driven narratives.
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He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving security: working with federal agencies, traditional leaders, and human rights bodies to tackle the root causes of the violence.
What’s Next?
The Governor of Benue has challenged critics to revisit definitions of genocide and examine the wider dynamics of insecurity in the region. His message is clear: while the state faces deadly violence, it is not being persecuted along purely religious lines.
Meanwhile, other voices—traditional leaders, human rights activists, and religious groups—continue to press for stronger protection measures and more transparent reporting on attacks. As international attention intensifies, it will be vital for all sides to base arguments on verified data and constructive engagement.
Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia has firmly denied that Christians are being gunned down in a genocide, framing the situation instead as a tragic but complex security challenge. His response highlights the need for clarity and accurate language when discussing violence in volatile regions. As debates continue, it remains essential for Nigerians and international observers to ground their discussions in facts, not rhetoric — and to demand real solutions, not just bold headlines.
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