By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
The Zone “A” Peoples’ Assembly (ZAPA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State, following a resurgence of deadly attacks reportedly carried out by suspected armed herdsmen across several communities in the state.
Addressing journalists at a press conference in Makurdi on Monday, ZAPA President, Fanen Mondo, decried the persistent killings, displacement, and destruction, describing the silence of top political leaders in and outside the state as “disturbing and dangerous.”
“We are watching our people being slaughtered, yet those in power remain silent. This is no longer just about security failures, it is about political complicity,” Mondo said. He outlined a pattern of attacks in areas including Chito (Ukum), Tor Donga (Katsina-Ala), Turan (Kwande), Aôndoana (Gwer West), Yelwata (Guma), Apa, and Agatu, alleging these coordinated assaults are not random but politically motivated efforts to destabilise Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.
“We warned about the signs; this is no longer just about herders. It’s a dangerous political play,” Mondo asserted.
The group traced the recurrence of violence in Benue to political rifts, citing past crises that intensified during fallouts involving prominent figures such as former Governors Gabriel Suswam and Samuel Ortom, and current Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.
“When Suswam’s relationship with Akume collapsed, insurgency spiked. The same happened with Ortom. And now, as Alia’s ties with Akume sour, we’re back here again,” Mondo said.
The group further criticised what it called a “conspiracy of silence” from leading Benue political actors, including SGF George Akume and federal lawmakers aligned with him – Senators Emmanuel Udende, Titus Zam, and Rep. Terseer Ugbor.
“None of them have publicly condemned the killings. That silence is not neutrality – it’s complicity,” Mondo declared.
The group also expressed disappointment in Governor Alia’s approach, urging him to adopt a firmer stance.
“Benue doesn’t need a silent governor. We need a field commander,” ZAPA said, encouraging the governor to directly engage the Presidency and expose what they claim is the disconnect between the people and their Abuja-based representatives.
The group reminded President Tinubu of the support he received from Benue during the 2023 elections and urged him to act swiftly in response to the unfolding humanitarian and security crisis.
“Benue is bleeding, and the President must not remain silent. Our people trusted you with their votes, don’t let their cries go unheard,” Mondo appealed.
The group called for declaration of state of emergency on security, stressing the need for Governor Alia to direct engagement with the Presidency and public distancing from federal representatives allegedly detached from the crisis.
“We will keep speaking until justice is done. The blood of our people cries out, and Benue will not remain silent in the face of silence. Benue shall rise again,” ZAPA posited.
