Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has issued a strong warning to Nigerian leaders about the potential dangers of accepting foreign assistance in tackling the country's security challenges. The renowned writer emphasized that unchecked external interventions could further complicate Nigeria's deepening security crisis.
Caution Against Foreign Interventions
Speaking to journalists at the Government House in Makurdi on Friday, November 23, after a closed-door meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, Soyinka stressed the need for thorough scrutiny of international help offers. The globally acclaimed writer insisted that not every form of foreign assistance solves problems, warning that some interventions could actually worsen the situation.
"We must be careful with foreign interventions. Not every form of assistance solves the problem. Some worsen it. Our leaders need to be vigilant and discerning," Soyinka stated during his press briefing.
Criticism of Previous Administration
The Nobel laureate didn't mince words when addressing the security failures under the previous federal administration. He recalled that Benue State had become a "hub for terrorists" in the North Central region during former President Muhammadu Buhari's tenure. Soyinka accused the Buhari government of failing to stop the killings that plagued the state.
"I was among the few who challenged the administration's policies. What happened here was unacceptable," the respected literary figure declared, highlighting his consistent opposition to the previous government's approach to security matters.
Assessment Visit to Benue State
During his visit to Benue, Soyinka conducted several important activities aimed at understanding the current situation. He returned to the state to follow up on educational materials he had donated during an earlier visit, when many displaced children were unable to attend school.
The Nobel laureate toured parts of Makurdi to inspect ongoing infrastructural projects being executed by Governor Alia's administration. He also visited several internally displaced persons camps to commiserate with families affected by the persistent violence in the region.
Governor Alia Clarifies Statements
Governor Hyacinth Alia used the opportunity to address what he called misinterpretations of his previous comments about the security situation. The governor dismissed claims that he had denied killings in Benue State, insisting his remarks had been taken out of context.
Alia explained that discussions around the term 'genocide' must align with its United Nations definition and historical context. He clarified that his earlier remarks about attackers 'executing their plans religiously' was merely an idiomatic expression.
"I never denied that my people were killed. I remain firm that we have bandits and terrorists who come fully organised to destroy, maim and kill," the governor emphasized.
Complex Nature of the Conflict
The Benue State governor provided important context about the evolution of the security challenges in his state. He revealed that the conflict began as farmer-herder clashes before escalating into organized banditry and terrorism.
Alia noted that victims came from diverse religious backgrounds, with both Muslims and Christians suffering casualties. He warned against attempts to frame the conflict in purely religious terms, describing such characterizations as misleading and dangerous.
"The situation is multi-sectoral. Don't reduce it to religion. Benue has suffered violence and displacement, which explains the large number of IDP camps today," the governor stressed.
Media Responsibility in Crisis Reporting
Governor Alia also addressed the role of journalists in reporting the security situation, urging media professionals to avoid amplifying misinterpretations or politicizing the crisis. He cautioned that poor reporting could heighten tensions in the already volatile situation.
"You journalists are not weapons of mass destruction; you are weapons of societal construction. One phone call can clarify an issue. Don't confuse the entire society," Alia advised media practitioners.
The governor emphasized that every life lost weighs heavily on him as the state's chief executive and warned against reducing the complex crisis to a single narrative.
Development Efforts in Benue
On a positive note, Governor Alia shared details of his administration's development initiatives. He revealed that several arterial road projects had been awarded in Makurdi, with full construction scheduled to begin the following week after the completion of preliminary works.
The governor commended Professor Soyinka for his genuine concern and for visiting the state to assess its progress. The Nobel laureate's visit highlighted the ongoing security challenges while also drawing attention to development efforts in the troubled state.
