Cleric Slams Benue Governor Over Violence, Urges Proactive Measures
"Catholic Priest Challenges Alia: Prevent Violence Just as You Stopped Peter Obi from Entering Benue"
In a scathing Facebook post, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic missionary serving in The Gambia, has criticized Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for his handling of the recent wave of attacks in the state. Ugwu's comments come hot on the heels of fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, which left 43 people dead.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent events plaguing the state in recent weeks. Ugwu, who is known for his activism on social issues, used his platform to call out the governor for what he perceives as a reactive rather than proactive approach to insecurity.
Taking a dig at Alia's recent actions, Ugwu questioned the governor's prioritization, stating,
"Dear Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, one of the primary reasons that made people vote you is because you are a priest (though suspended). They believed 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."
In a move reminiscent of a past incident where Governor Alia reportedly blocked Peter Obi, the Labour Party's presidential candidate, from entering the state, Ugwu suggested that the same measure could be applied to halt the killings.
"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," Ugwu added.
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Enrichment Insights
- Governor Alia vs Peter Obi: Below is a comparison of Governor Hyacinth Alia's response to recent security threats in Benue State with hypothetical considerations regarding Peter Obi's approach, noting that Obi is not currently a state governor and has no direct record as a state executive facing similar crises. The comparison will focus on their public governance and leadership styles as reflected in available records and recent events. Overall:
- Response to Security Threats: Governor Alia deployed joint security forces to crisis areas, advocating for enhanced community policing and local involvement. Peter Obi, as a former governor, was known for fiscal prudence and security partnerships with local vigilantes. (e.g., ‘Anambra Vigilante Service’).
- Public Communication: Governor Alia called for calm, reassured residents, and rejected political interference in security issues. Peter Obi, as a national figure, frequently advocates for good governance and security sector reform but is not involved in Benue’s current crisis.
- Political Interference: Governor Alia firmly dismissed calls for emergency rule, accusing critics of politicizing insecurity for relevance. As an opposition leader, Peter Obi is not directly involved in Benue's political discourse.
- Policy Approach: Governor Alia implemented a comprehensive, community-based security strategy, ordering immediate security deployments. Peter Obi, as a former governor, previously focused on pragmatic, community-led solutions in Anambra.
- Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, a Nigerian serving in The Gambia, has criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for his handling of the security situation in Benue State, urging a proactive approach rather than reacting to violence.
- The latest wave of attacks in Benue State, plaguing the region with violence, has prompted Ugwu to question the governor's priorities, suggesting that blocking presidential candidate Peter Tinubu (a possible misinterpretation of Peter Obi's name) from entering the state could be a strategy to halt the killings.
- The simmering political tension between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Peter Obi, as well as related stories of violence, are part of the ongoing general news and crime-and-justice coverage in Nigeria.
- The Army has taken notice of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Benue, as Army Chief Oluyede has relocated to Markudi over incessant attacks, signifying a direct military response to the region's security challenges.
