By Amos Aar
GOVERNOR Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has refuted claims that he recently declared that total peace has been restored in the state.
National Record had reported how former Governor Samuel Ortom, through his media aide, Terver Akase, in a scorching criticism, accused Governor Alia of covering up alleged mass burials in the state to create the impression of peace under his administration.
Ortom also alleged that armed herders in Zones A, B, and C, including areas such as Ukum, Logo, Katsina-Ala, Kwande, Gwer East, Gwer West, Guma, Makurdi, Agatu, and Otukpo have also been under constant attack.
“There have been countless mass burials under Alia’s administration due to attacks by herdsmen. This government is only attempting to conceal the truth about the killings and mass burials,” Ortom alleged.
Responding to the criticism from Ortom, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed the allegations as misleading.
Kula clarified that while Governor Alia remains committed to enhancing security in Benue, he has never claimed that absolute peace has been achieved. Instead, the governor has consistently acknowledged that relative peace has returned under his administration, showing the distinction between the two.
“Governor Alia has never stated that there is absolute peace in Benue State. He has, however, maintained that relative peace has been restored, as evidenced by a significant decline in violent attacks compared to previous years,” Kula said.
He highlighted that under Governor Alia’s leadership, mass killings have substantially decreased, displaced persons are returning to their ancestral homes, and local markets that were previously shut due to insecurity have reopened.
“In Guma LGA, where Chief Ortom hails from, markets in Kaseyo, Ortese, Gbajimba, and Daudu are now fully operational, reflecting a revival of commercial activities and a return to normalcy,” Kula added.
Kula further noted that the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the state has significantly reduced.
While the previous administration estimated four million IDPs, recent profiling indicates fewer than one million people remain in camps. This suggests that many families have returned home, signalling improved security conditions, Kula said, and reaffirmed Alia’s commitment to addressing lingering security challenges by adopting a practical and solution-driven approach rather than resorting to political rhetoric.
“Unlike his predecessor, Governor Alia does not rely on media theatrics to showcase his fight against insecurity. Instead, he is working diligently and quietly to eliminate security threats in the state,” he said.
He also accused certain individuals, including some traditional rulers, of collaborating with external forces to sustain insecurity for political gains.
“Governor Alia’s actions reflect a genuine commitment to improving security and fostering lasting peace in Benue. Rather than engaging in baseless accusations, all stakeholders should support his efforts in making Benue a safer place,” Kula maintained.
