My remarks on genocide misunderstood Benue Governor Alia
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has clarified that his recent remarks about “genocide” in the state were misunderstood. Speaking during a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) event on October 19, 2025, in Abuja, his comments sparked a strong reaction, but he says he did not mean to dismiss the pain of victims.
According to a statement by his Information Commissioner, Dr. Peter Egbodo, Alia’s intention was to stress that the conflict in Benue is more complex than simply a religious war. He argued that labeling the killings purely as “religious genocide” could be misleading, and might hinder the multidimensional solutions his government is pursuing.
Alia acknowledged the gravity of the violence and loss of life in Benue, but insisted that the situation does not match the United Nations’ legal definition of genocide. He pointed out that much of the conflict stems from long-standing disputes between farmers and herders not systematic, targeted extermination based on religion or ethnicity.
He also emphasized that his government remains deeply committed to protecting all communities in Benue: Christians, Muslims, traditional believers, and others. According to Alia, his administration is ramping up intelligence-driven security interventions, strengthening collaboration with security agencies, and working on long-term strategies to address the root causes of violence.
The governor urged stakeholders and the public to interpret his comments in the context of his “unwavering dedication” to peace in the state, not as an attempt to downplay the suffering of those affected.
