Benue APC condemns alleged suppression of peaceful protesters by Gov Alia

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State has condemned what it described as the “barbaric” suppression of peaceful protesters allegedly by the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia, following fresh killings in the state.

In a statement released on Sunday, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Daniel Ihomun, expressed outrage over reports that protesters gathered in mourning and solidarity were allegedly shot at and dispersed on the orders of the state government.

Alia is a member of the APC and was elected on the platform of the party in the 2023 governorship election.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter, under the leadership of Austin Agada, expresses deep sympathy to the resilient people of Benue State who, faced with unrelenting violence and government silence, took to the streets in peaceful protest, only to be met with state-sponsored brutality,” Ihomun said.

He described the incident as “a new low in the governance of” the state, lamenting that the same government elected to protect the people had allegedly turned its guns on them.

“What further proof is needed that the Alia administration has not only failed in its primary duty to protect lives and property but is now complicit in the suffering and silencing of its citizens?” the statement queried.

The APC further said the ongoing violence in Benue communities had been worsened by the governor’s “deliberate inaction” and “glaring disinterest.”

The party accused the Alia-led government of failing to provide logistical support to security agencies or collaborate with stakeholders to prevent attacks, despite receiving security votes.

The party also criticised the governor’s alleged dismissive stance on the crisis, citing previous comments where he allegedly referred to the killings as “mere skirmishes” and justified the presence of armed aggressors under ECOWAS protocols.

“This most recent assault on peaceful protesters marks a dangerous descent into authoritarianism. We hold the governor personally responsible for the worsening crisis and his administration’s silence and complicity,” the APC warned.

The party demanded the immediate release of all arrested protesters and an independent investigation into the alleged shootings, as well as justice for the victims and an end to what it called a “culture of impunity”.

Meanwhile, the attack that sparked the protest occurred on Saturday, when suspected armed herders invaded the Yelwata community in Benue, leaving scores feared dead.