By Amos Aar
THE BISHOP of Katsina-Ala Catholic Diocese, Benue State, Most Rev. Isaac Dugu, has issued a strong warning to Governor Hyacinth Alia, urging him to take immediate action against the influx of armed herders in the state, particularly in the Sankera axis of the state.
Bishop Dugu cautioned that failure to swiftly address the situation could lead to widespread violence and displacement.
In a viral video, Bishop Dugu revealed that he had personally encountered the armed herders and expressed concerns over their strategic movement into communities.
“In Sankera, they are coming with a strategy. This is an obvious fact. I have had an encounter with them personally. They have a strategy, and as they come in, they are not coming for grazing. And I tell you, they are everywhere. When night falls, house owners sleep in their houses while herders stay with their cattle in the backyard. How can we sleep with our two eyes closed?
“You guys will be in a mess. You’ll be in trouble. You’ll be in trouble. So, rise up now that the sun is still shining. Don’t allow the Fulanis to slaughter all of us before you get up and begin to declare curfew and speak grammar on television.
“Come now. If you don’t come now, you will be in trouble. And I want you to understand this very clearly. It’s a danger that we are sitting on as we are here.
“So, let the governor know that this is the danger that is already looming. So, I give you one week.
“Governor, governor, one week. If you don’t come in one week and drive the Fulanis away, we are gone. And when we are gone, don’t call on us. Allow us to die. It is that serious,” Dugu said, code-switching between English and Tiv languages as he addressed the congregation.
Bishop Dugu’s warning comes amid growing security concerns in Benue State, where armed herders have continued to attack communities.
His call for urgent intervention highlights the fears of residents who have repeatedly decried the increasing insecurity in the state.
Notably, the Benue State Government had recently established an Amnesty Committee, chaired by Bishop Dugu, to engage with armed groups and encourage them to surrender. The committee’s efforts have led to the disarmament and reintegration of several militia groups, including the notorious gang led by “Full Fire” and his followers.
With tensions rising, all eyes are now on Governor Alia’s administration to see what steps will be taken in response to Bishop Dugu’s urgent plea.
