A prominent figure in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Kelly Agaba, has provided a stark explanation for Governor Hyacinth Alia's controversial denial of an alleged Christian genocide in Benue State. Agaba asserts that the governor's remarks are driven by political greed and a desire to maintain his influence, even at the expense of his constituents' well-being.
Political Motives Behind the Denial
In an exclusive interview with Legit.ng on Sunday, November 23, 2025, Agaba did not mince words. He stated that Governor Alia's denial is a strategic move to avoid international scrutiny. This comes in the wake of a significant development on the global stage: United States President Donald Trump has designated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" due to the alleged targeted killing of Christians.
Agaba elaborated, pointing to what he sees as a clear case of political opportunism. He accused the governor, who is also a Catholic priest, of betraying the truth and his moral background to appease the federal government. By downplaying the severity of the violence, Agaba claims Alia is prioritizing his political survival over the welfare of the people he was elected to serve.
A Betrayal of Trust and a Deepening Crisis
The ADC chieftain emphasized the human cost of the conflict, stating that the people of Benue State are suffering immensely. He argued that they deserve concrete action and honest answers, not excuses or denial. Agaba also dismissed the governor's subsequent clarification that his comments were taken out of context, viewing it as a weak attempt to quell the growing controversy.
When confronted with the argument that the situation in Benue is too complex for a simple "genocide" label, Agaba remained firm. He acknowledged the complexity but insisted that it does not justify the governor's denial of the fundamental facts. Thousands have been displaced and hundreds killed, creating a severe humanitarian crisis that, in his view, must be acknowledged for what it is to properly address the suffering of victims and their families.
International Attention and Local Reality
The political firestorm in Nigeria is set against a backdrop of increasing international alarm. The testimony of Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi to the United States House Subcommittee on Africa underscored the gravity of the situation. The bishop stated unequivocally that Nigeria has become "the deadliest place on earth to be a Christian," recounting a series of violent attacks on Christian communities.
Governor Alia, for his part, has stood by his nuanced position. While acknowledging the severity of the killings in Benue, he maintains that the violence does not meet the strict legal definition of genocide. His administration insists it is intensifying security collaborations and support for communities displaced by the persistent attacks.
