Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia says the persistent insecurity affecting communities in the state should not be described as genocide.
DDM gatherd that the governor made the comment amid renewed public outrage over continued attacks, killings, and displacement across several local government areas.
His remarks come at a time when activists and local leaders have repeatedly accused the federal government of failing to stop what they describe as systematic violence targeting farming communities.
Governor Alia emphasized that while the attacks are severe and deeply tragic, they do not meet the legal threshold required for classification as genocide.
He urged citizens and commentators to be cautious with terminology that carries significant international legal implications.
According to the governor, the security situation in Benue is the result of criminal activities carried out by armed groups whose motives, he said, should not be interpreted as an attempt to wipe out an ethnic population.
He insisted that mislabeling the situation could potentially complicate ongoing security operations and diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilizing the region.
His statement follows weeks of escalating tension after several villages suffered deadly assaults attributed to suspected armed herders and criminal gangs.
Residents and community representatives say the frequency of attacks has forced thousands to flee their homes and seek refuge in internally displaced persons camps.
Local groups maintain that the scale of destruction indicates a coordinated pattern of targeted violence.
They argue that successive administrations have failed to protect vulnerable communities despite years of repeated warnings.
Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about the federal government’s inability to prosecute perpetrators involved in the longstanding conflict.
Some critics say the governor’s reluctance to classify the crisis as genocide may downplay the humanitarian gravity facing rural populations.
Others argue that his position aligns with the federal government’s preference for describing the violence as farmer-herder clashes or banditry.
Security analysts note that the continued attacks reflect broader national challenges involving porous borders, proliferation of weapons, and weakened law enforcement structures.
They warn that without a coordinated approach, the cycle of violence could escalate, leading to further loss of lives and property.
Governor Alia, however, said his administration is working with security agencies to restore order and ensure affected communities receive adequate protection.
He added that the state government is expanding relief support for displaced families and improving intelligence gathering across conflict-prone zones.
The governor called for enhanced collaboration between traditional rulers, security operatives, and community leaders to reduce tensions.
He also appealed to residents to avoid rhetoric that could inflame the situation or hinder efforts to achieve lasting stability.
Multiple advocacy groups have countered that acknowledging the severity of the crisis is essential for attracting international attention and humanitarian intervention.
They argue that global agencies may only act when the situation is labeled in a manner consistent with international legal standards.
Governor Alia maintained that while the suffering of Benue people is undeniable, accurate terminology will help focus on practical solutions rather than emotional narratives.
He reiterated that his administration will continue prioritizing security reforms and long-term peacebuilding initiatives.
More responses from civil society organizations are expected as the governor’s statement continues generating widespread debate.
