{"id":166934,"date":"2025-06-15T12:09:16","date_gmt":"2025-06-15T11:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/nigeria\/uncategorized\/yelewata-massacre-benue-youths-accuse-gov-alia"},"modified":"2025-06-15T13:18:50","modified_gmt":"2025-06-15T12:18:50","slug":"yelewata-massacre-benue-youths-accuse-gov-alia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/nigeria\/policy\/yelewata-massacre-benue-youths-accuse-gov-alia","title":{"rendered":"Yelewata Massacre: Benue Youths Accuse Gov Alia"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Nigeria. <\/strong><\/span>A fresh wave of criticism has trailed the response of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, following the horrific killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area.<\/p>\n

The brutal attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, and is believed to have been perpetrated by suspected armed herdsmen, has reignited tensions across the state.<\/p>\n

The governor\u2019s reaction, issued over a day after the incident via a Facebook post signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, has drawn widespread condemnation from residents, particularly among youth groups who deemed the response as \u201cinsensitive,\u201d \u201cdelayed,\u201d and lacking depth.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can build all the roads and skyscrapers you want, but if your people are being slaughtered with no protection, then it\u2019s meaningless,\u201d said Terna Avaan, a Makurdi resident. \u201cThe governor has one job, protect lives and property. On that count, he has failed us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Governor Alia\u2019s statement read: \u201cGovernor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pain and grief caused by this vicious attack on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen. He has directed a multi-pronged response involving both local and federal authorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

But many citizens say they\u2019ve heard it all before. \u201cIt\u2019s the same copy and paste condolence message every time. When will real action take the place of empty press statements?\u201d queried Terver Fidelis, one of many angered residents venting on social media.<\/p>\n

Benjamin Igber, a humanitarian worker active in conflict-prone areas, accused the governor of politicizing the ongoing security crisis. \u201cIt\u2019s unbelievable that a reverend father would deflect responsibility onto fellow Benue citizens instead of tackling the root cause. His silence is dangerous,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Echoing similar sentiments, Tordue George, a communications analyst, faulted the government\u2019s media strategy. \u201cWhy should a statement about such a grave issue come 28 hours later? Mr. CPS, your sluggish and poorly coordinated communication efforts are damaging the governor\u2019s credibility,\u201d he remarked.<\/p>\n

The governor, through his spokesperson, announced the deployment of tactical units from federal security outfits to deter future attacks. He also extended sympathy to the victims\u2019 families and promised collaboration with traditional rulers, local stakeholders, and security operatives to improve intelligence gathering and community protection.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe government is in constant consultation with federal and local security players to boost surveillance and preempt further attacks,\u201d Kula noted. \u201cJoint patrols are being intensified across vulnerable areas.\u201d<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Barr. Sam Ode visited Yelewata to assess the situation firsthand, assuring residents of the government\u2019s resolve to pursue justice and restore calm to the troubled area.<\/p>\n

Despite the assurances, locals like Vershima Paul remain doubtful. \u201cFederal troops alone cannot solve this. What measures is the state government taking to empower local vigilantes? People are dying daily while we wait for Abuja,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Joining the chorus of concerned voices, former Senate President David Mark described the massacre as unacceptable and urged both state and federal governments to act decisively. \u201cThis is beyond politics. It\u2019s about human lives. Benue has suffered enough. Security must become an urgent priority, not just another bureaucratic process,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Also reacting, House of Representatives aspirant for the Makurdi\/Guma Federal Constituency, Hon. Engr. Thaddeus Tyopav Orkpe, told Daily Independent:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe heinous attack in Yelewata is heartbreaking. My deepest condolences go to the bereaved families and the entire community. This is a moment of mourning and reflection.\u201d<\/p>\n

As the state government appeals for calm and cautions against reprisals, angry youths flooded the streets clad in black, symbolizing mourning and demanding accountability.<\/p>\n

\u201cBenue State remains unwavering in its pursuit of justice, peace, and a secure future for its citizens,\u201d the CPS reaffirmed.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Nigeria<\/span> Follow Africa-Press<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Nigeria. A fresh wave of criticism has trailed the response of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, following the horrific killings in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area. The brutal attack, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, and is believed to have been perpetrated by suspected armed herdsmen, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":166933,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,29,28,14,2660],"tags":[9994,331,3069,254,17809],"class_list":["post-166934","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-head-lines","category-homepage-english","category-policy","category-to-homepage","tag-alia","tag-benue","tag-killings","tag-nigeria","tag-yelewata-massacre"],"yoast_head":"\nYelewata Massacre: Benue Youths Accuse Gov Alia - Nigeria<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A fresh wave of criticism has trailed the response of Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. 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