Ortom Accuses Governor Alia of Politicizing Benue’s Insecurity
The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has condemned his successor, Governor Hyacinth Alia, for politicizing the ongoing insecurity in the state. Ortom’s criticism follows a viral video in which Alia, speaking at a church service at NKST Church Ikpayongo, claimed that armed herders had stopped attacking and killing residents since his assumption of office.
This assertion, however, directly contradicts recent reports of violent killings in the state capital, Makurdi, and other local government areas, including Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Ortom expressed shock and disappointment over Alia’s remarks, especially given the ongoing violence and the trauma it has caused the residents. “We watched with utmost shock and sadness a video clip in which Governor Hyacinth Alia addressed a congregation at NKST Church Ikpayongo in Gwer East Local Government Area, claiming that since he assumed office, armed herders have stopped attacking and killing people in the state,” the statement read.
Alia also accused Ortom of staging the 2021 assassination attempt on his life and suggested that his administration had brought peace to the state, contrasting it with the previous administration, where mass killings by herdsmen were reportedly frequent. Ortom responded, calling Alia’s accusations false and deeply troubling, especially in light of the continued attacks in Gwer East, one of the areas severely affected by herders’ violence.
Ortom’s statement pointed to the numerous mass burials conducted during Alia’s tenure, citing violent incidents across the state, including in Gwer East, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, and Otukpo. The former governor accused Alia’s administration of trying to suppress the truth about the killings and downplay the severity of the violence.
Ortom also compared his handling of the security situation with Alia’s response, stating, “The difference between my administration and Governor Alia’s is that I stood against injustice and vigorously opposed the pastoralist agenda aimed at occupying Benue lands, while Alia seems to downplay the ongoing attacks on Benue communities.”
He continued, “Despite threats to my life and pressure from the then Federal Government, I remained resolute in advocating against open grazing and promoting ranching. This led to the enactment of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law in Benue State, a law that has received widespread acclaim across the country.”
Ortom further criticized Alia for blaming the people of Benue for the insecurity, stating, “I never lied to my people or the nation that all was well when it wasn’t. I refused to suppress media reports about the heinous crimes committed by armed herders against Benue people. Instead, I confronted these challenges head-on and defended my people with dignity, equity, and justice.”
Concluding his statement, Ortom emphasized his commitment to standing up for the people of Benue, saying, “I chose to defend the people of Benue rather than appease their oppressors.”
