Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has firmly rejected claims of religious genocide occurring within his state, emphasizing that while security challenges exist, they do not meet the United Nations' definition of genocide.
Governor Addresses International Concerns
The Catholic priest-turned-politician made these clarifications during a consultative forum organized by the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja, focusing on protecting the rights of Internally Displaced Persons and Forcibly Displaced Persons. Governor Alia's remarks come at a critical time when Nigeria faces international scrutiny, particularly after the United States designated the country as a "Country of Particular Concern" regarding religious persecution allegations.
"In my state of Benue, we don't have any religious, ethnic, racial, national, or state genocide," Governor Alia stated authoritatively. "Do we have insecurities? Yes. But it is not a genocide. One would need to check the United Nations' definition for that."
Dismissing Jihad Claims in Benue
The governor specifically addressed rumors of religious warfare in the region, clarifying that notorious terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP operate primarily in Nigeria's North-east, not in Benue State. He explained that these groups pursue objectives of establishing Islamic states based on distorted interpretations of Islamic teachings, but their activities haven't extended to his jurisdiction.
"I'm speaking to you as a reverend father and as a governor," Alia emphasized. "If there were any jihad in my state or any part of Nigeria, I would have been the first to make a noise. There is no jihad going on in any part of the country."
Engagement with International Partners
Governor Alia revealed that he has actively engaged with the United States embassy to provide accurate information about Benue's security landscape. This diplomatic outreach aims to correct misconceptions that might be influencing international policy decisions regarding Nigeria.
"It's on record that I had an interface with the American ambassador to explain that both in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, there is no genocide," the governor confirmed. "The UN's description does not fit the parameters here."
According to data from the Armed Conflict Event and Location Data project, Benue State has experienced significant violence over the past two years, with more than 800 people killed and nearly 400 kidnapped. One of the deadliest incidents occurred on June 14 in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, where coordinated attacks claimed over 100 lives.
The federal government has expressed concern that recent international statements about Nigeria's situation might be emboldening criminal elements. Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume has echoed Governor Alia's position, stressing that insurgency and banditry in Nigeria are primarily driven by economic factors rather than religious motivations.
