Maroc - VERACITY.COM.NG - A La Une - 21/Nov 17:12

Alia never described Benue killings as religious genocide — Govt

The Benue State Government has dismissed claims that Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia downplayed or mischaracterised the killings in the state as anything less than a grave security concern.Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dr. Peter Oboh Egbodo, in a statement on Friday, said it was “worrisome” that some individuals were deliberately misrepresenting the governor’s remarks on the crisis.According to the statement, Governor Alia has consistently acknowledged the severity of the security challenges and maintained that available evidence does not support the framing of the attacks as targeted religious or ethnic genocide.Quoting the governor, the statement read partly:"To set the record straight, His Excellency Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia never denied the killings in Benue nor did he make light of the effect of these senseless violence unleashed on hapless citizens."He identified killer bandits, terrorists as the perpetrators of these acts and advised against allowing such individuals hide behind religion in any guise. It is worrisome that mischief makers are deliberately misrepresenting the the Governor comments."In another video, also in wide circulation, the governor had explained that the activities of the killer terrorists were well coordinated and are such plans were 'followed religiously'. (This means their plans were followed meticulously)."The government noted that Governor Alia has strengthened collaboration with security agencies, bolstered response capabilities, supported displaced persons with relief and resettlement measures, and intensified advocacy at national and international levels for enhanced security presence in Benue.It added that the governor has continued to visit affected communities, console the bereaved, and lead efforts aimed at restoring peace across the state.The statement further urged the public to interpret the governor’s remarks within the wider context of his commitment to ending violence in Benue, stressing that his administration “fully acknowledges the trauma of communities bearing the brunt of these attacks.”It noted that concerns expressed by citizens, civil society, and development partners remain appreciated, assuring that the government is committed to peace, justice, and the protection of all residents.Reiterating the governor’s stance, the statement added:"For the avoidance of doubt, the Governor’s statement was neither an attempt to downplay the painful realities on ground nor a dismissal of the grief of families who have lost their loved ones. His Excellency is fully aware of the weight of every life lost in Benue State, and he continues to treat the security challenges confronting the State with the urgency and seriousness they demand."It is important to emphasize that the Governor’s clarification—that the killings should not be defined or framed purely along religious lines—was made in the interest of accurate reporting, responsible public discourse, and effective response. Misdiagnosing the nature of the crisis may hinder the multi-sectoral solutions already being implemented. “What His Excellency sought to communicate is that the conflict is complex, involving criminality, land-use tensions, and targeted acts of violence that require strategic, intelligence-driven interventions beyond religious categorization."