By Tivta Samuel Aondohemba
September 25th, 2023
In a state marred by turmoil, Governor Alia of Benue State is facing widespread condemnation from citizens for staging a triumphant entry celebration following his victory at the tribunal. This festivity comes at a time when the state is grappling with the kidnapping of his Commissioner for Information, culture and tourism, Mr. Abo Matthew and a former Chairman of Ukum Local Government, Mr. Iorwashima Erukaa and the gruesome murder of two Tiv farmers in Gwer West Local Government 2 days ago.
Citizens have taken to social media platforms, primarily Facebook, to express their outrage over the governor’s decision, describing it as “ridiculous” and out of touch with the dire situation in the state. Johnkenedy T. Ikyase, a concerned Benue citizen, posted a scathing criticism on his Facebook page, saying, “Think deep!!!! A member of the State Executive Council is kidnapped, and you accepted a rally in your favor, tagged ‘Alia triumphant entry.’ This is ridiculous. Things we actually see in developing democracies. I speak as a concerned Benue Citizen.”
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Another grieving Benue resident, Adamu Donald from Gwer West, who lost his brothers to recent Fulani herdsmen attacks, also expressed his anguish on Facebook, stating, “While bereaved families are blowing ambulance sirens in tears with corpses of herdsmen slain victims from/to mortuaries in Benue, Or-Zinc Anmôti-gègé is less concerned, blowing his siren on expensive cars-convoy round Makurdi in celebration. Tere! yimase!”
These sentiments reflect the growing frustration and anger among Benue citizens who feel that the governor’s celebratory rally is not only insensitive but also out of touch with the reality of the security challenges facing the state.
The state has been plagued by recurring clashes between farmers and herders, leading to loss of lives and property. The recent kidnapping of a high-ranking government official and the continued violence in the region have only exacerbated the tension among the populace.
