Gov Alia Accused Of Silencing Benue Protesters – APC

The Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly criticized what it termed the “barbaric” crackdown on peaceful protesters, allegedly carried out under the directive of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration, in the aftermath of renewed violence and killings in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, APC State Publicity Secretary Daniel Ihomun voiced deep concern over reports that citizens, who had gathered to mourn and express solidarity, were met with force—allegedly being shot at and forcefully dispersed by security operatives acting on government orders.

Governor Alia, notably, is a member of the APC and secured his position on the party’s platform during the 2023 gubernatorial elections.

“The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter, under the leadership of Austin Agada, expresses deep sympathy to the resilient people of Benue State who, faced with unrelenting violence and government silence, took to the streets in peaceful protest, only to be met with state-sponsored brutality,” Ihomun said.

He described the incident as “a new low in the governance of” the state, lamenting that the same government elected to protect the people had allegedly turned its guns on them.

The statement reportedly questioned what additional evidence was required to demonstrate that the Alia administration had not only failed in its fundamental responsibility to safeguard lives and property but was now allegedly complicit in the hardship and suppression of its own citizens.

Africa Today News, New York