You Blocked Obi’s Visit, Now Stop Killer Herdsmen – Rev Father Mocks Benue Governor

A Catholic missionary priest working in Gambia, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has challenged Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to take decisive action against the suspected herdsmen responsible for recent deadly attacks in the state — just as the governor effectively stopped Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from entering the state.

The call comes in the wake of a brutal assault by suspected armed herders in two communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, which left at least 43 people dead on Sunday.

This latest attack follows similar violence that occurred barely a week earlier in the same areas.

Governor Alia had posted a statement on his Facebook page on Monday night confirming the killings and pledging immediate security measures.

He wrote, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.

“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.

“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond.

“Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace. This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident.

“We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice,” the governor had written.

Reacting to the ongoing violence and the governor’s response, Rev. Fr. Ugwu expressed frustration over the government’s seeming inability to stop the killings and its repeated announcements of casualties rather than arrests or prevention.

In a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, Ugwu stated, “Dear governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, one of the primary reasons that made people vote for you is because you are a priest, (though suspended).

“They believe you will be different. It is for them I speak. It is not a great thing that you come to Facebook every Eke market day to announce to us the number of people that have been butchered. Announce rather those you have apprehended. Be proactive and not reactive.”

The priest further urged the governor to apply the same level of commitment and vigilance he displayed in blocking Peter Obi’s visit to Benue State towards stopping the herdsmen violence.

“In the same way you intercepted Obi’s entrance to Benue, you can also do the same to these people killing your people. That is if you want to,” he added.

Benue has long been a flashpoint for violent clashes between herders and local farmers, with recent killings leaving many shocked.