By Amos Aar
THE MASEV Development Association (MDA) has faulted Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for attributing the killing of 18 people in Wandor, Mbaikyor, Gwer East LGA of the state last Thursday, March 7, 2024 to cattle rustling by youths in the area without.
The association accused the governor of hasty conclusion without seeking authentic information on the incident.
“Assuming without conceding that what the Governor said was true, does rustling or killing cows justify the massive killing of 18 people as at today? Is this good justification? What happened to the Anti Open grazing law which the Governor said was in force and the two weeks ultimatum given which has expired?” the association queried.
Addressing journalists on Sunday at the Benue State secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Makurdi, after an emergency meeting, MDA’s President-General worldwide, Prof. Vitalis Vearumun Tarhule, represented by Polycarp Aande, Esq., who is the President, Masev Progressive Assembly (MPA), described the governor’s alleged statement as unsubstantiated, biased and premature.
The association wondered why the governor received briefings on the incident and passed the judgement without visiting the scene to confirm it or sending his security aides to confirm if truly cows were rustled and butchered for sale.
“But for the trending video on all social media channels, we would not have believed that Gov. Alia whom the Masev people massively voted for could have said such a thing. Gov Alia’s irrefutable pictorial and audio evidence in the form of Video stared us in the face. The Governor’s unequivocal assertion has churned out quite a number of issues:
“1. By his own mouth, the Governor said he was informed of the incident on his way to the requiem Mass. Without any security personnel or the Governor himself visiting the horrific scene, the Governor miraculously knew that it was some Masev youth that rustled cows, killed some and were marketing them in wheelbarrows! It looks to us that someone sold a poorly crafted story to the Governor who rushed to gleefully announce the verdict,” MDA President-General said.
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The association called on Governor Alia to rather implement the state’s Anti-Open Grazing Law fully and be fair to both farmers and herders.
The full text of the press conference, entitled; “Disappointment And Anguish Echo From The Hearts Of Masev People,” reads:
“The Masev nation, represented by the Masev Development Association, stands united in its dismay, distress, and disillusionment following the recent pronouncement by His Excellency Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, the Governor of Benue State. The assertion linking the tragic loss of lives and destruction of property in Wandor, Mbaikyor, within the Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government, to cattle rustling, has left our community further shattered and demoralized.
“But for the trending video on all social media channels, we would not have believed that Gov. Alia whom the Masev people massively voted for could have said such a thing. Gov Alia’s irrefutable pictorial and audio evidence in the form of Video stared us in the face. The Governor’s unequivocal assertion has churned out quite a number of issues:
1. By his own mouth, the Governor said he was informed of the incident on his way to the requiem Mass. Without any security personnel or the Governor himself visiting the horrific scene, the Governor miraculously knew that it was some Masev youth that rustled cows, killed some and were marketing them in wheelbarrows! It looks to us that someone sold a poorly crafted story to the Governor who rushed to gleefully announce the verdict.
“2. Assuming without conceding that what the Governor said was true, does rustling or killing cows justify the massive killing of 18 people as at today? Is this good justification? What happened to the Anti Open grazing law which the Governor said was in force and the two weeks ultimatum given which has expired?
“3. In our respective view it is statements (justifications) such as offered by Governor Alia that further embolden the herders. Such statements ought not and should never have come from Gov. Alia or any elected or appointed Government official.
“4. It is the constitutional responsibility of Governor Alia to secure the lives of Benue people, not for him to be threading blame, offering excuses which even children will not believe, and consequently playing politics with the lives of Benue People.
“5. Having justified the slaughtering of 18 innocent Masev sons, wives and daughters, Gov. Alia then announced that the perpetrators would be brought to book. This to us was strictly politics as the Governor had already justified the wanton killing and destruction of properties by the herders.
“In response to Governor Alia’s declaration, the National Executive Council of the Masev Development Association convened an emergency meeting, and have resolved to vehemently reject and challenge the unsubstantiated, biased, and premature conclusions drawn by the Governor. It is evident that the rushed judgment lacks due process, fairness, and adherence to principles of justice.
“We express deep concern and apprehension over the Governor’s inclination to apportion blame without thorough investigation and unbiased scrutiny. At a time when lives are lost, and properties worth millions are razed, it is disheartening that the Governor chose to cast unwarranted accusations upon the youths of Wandor, Mbaikyor. Our people, who have already endured the brunt of external forces, now face unjustified condemnation.
“The Masev community finds it bewildering that while the Governor extends condolences and promises to pursue the perpetrators behind this heinous act, his office, through his Chief Press Secretary, shifts blame onto local youths. This conflicting stance not only undermines the gravity of the situation but also exacerbates the pain and frustration felt by our people.
“We question the effectiveness and integrity of the security intelligence apparatus under the Governor’s purview. If indeed there is evidence against the alleged perpetrators, why have they not been apprehended and subjected to legal proceedings? The failure to act decisively raises doubts about the coherence and efficacy of security operations in the state.
“Let it be clear: the Masev people do not condone criminal activities within our community. However, we vehemently reject any narrative that portrays us as perpetrators of violence against our own. Such baseless accusations not only defame our integrity but also divert attention from the real perpetrators who threaten our safety and livelihoods.
“Governor Alia was entrusted with the mandate to safeguard the interests and security of all Benue State residents. Regrettably, his recent statements have betrayed the trust and confidence vested in him by the Masev electorate. It is imperative that he revisits his stance and upholds the principles of fairness, accountability, and justice.
“In light of recurrent attacks by Fulani herdsmen militia, including the recent tragedy in Wandor, Mbaikyor, we urge the Governor to fully enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Law without compromise. Additionally, we demand swift action against both the alleged cattle rustlers and the herders responsible for wanton destruction and loss of life.
“The Masev people call for immediate rehabilitation, resettlement, and compensation for those affected by the violence. As law-abiding citizens of Benue State, we demand that our rights to security, justice, and dignity be upheld without prejudice or discrimination.
“In conclusion, we reiterate our unwavering commitment to peace, justice, and prosperity for all. Benue State is not a lawless territory, and it is incumbent upon the security agencies to uphold the rule of law and protect the lives and properties of all its citizens, including the Masev people.”
