Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has drawn public anger for joining President Bola Tinubu at the BRICS Summit in Brazil.
Diaspora Digital Media learnt that Alia confirmed his presence at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, celebrating a “high-level bilateral meeting” with Brazil’s President.
His announcement came as Benue communities continue to bury over 200 victims of recent massacres by suspected armed herders.
Angry Nigerians accused Governor Alia and President Tinubu of ignoring Benue’s humanitarian crisis for foreign appearances and global photo-ops.
Yelewata, a Benue village, suffered one of the bloodiest attacks in years, leaving hundreds dead and many more displaced.
Security remains weak, survivors live in fear, and government aid remains grossly inadequate across affected areas in the state.
Critics say Alia should have stayed in Nigeria to coordinate relief, security, and justice for the grieving families.
Instead, he posted photos of his diplomatic visit, triggering fury from Benue citizens and civil society groups nationwide.
The backlash also extends to President Tinubu, who reportedly urged Alia to “engage in dialogue” with the killers.
Many Nigerians condemned that comment as reckless, tone-deaf, and insulting to victims and survivors of the Benue killings.
Security experts argue that dialogue with armed herders sends a dangerous message and could embolden further violence.
Local activists say both Tinubu and Alia failed to act decisively despite rising insecurity across the North Central region.
Catholic Bishops in Nigeria have launched a nine-day prayer campaign to demand peace and justice for Benue victims.
They urged the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Benue and deploy urgent military intervention.
Meanwhile, images of Alia smiling at the Brazil summit have gone viral and sparked protests across Makurdi and Gboko.
Some critics called for Alia’s resignation, accusing him of abandoning his constitutional duty during a time of national mourning.
Human rights groups say the governor’s absence highlights a wider failure in Nigeria’s political leadership and crisis response.
As international meetings continue abroad, thousands in Benue face trauma, hunger, and fear with no end in sight.
