We, the Network For Transparent Governance (NTG) rise in support of the timely and patriotic call made a few days ago by the Bishop of Katsina-Ala Catholic Diocese, Bishop Isaac Dugu, during a thanksgiving church mass at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church Vandeikya where the Bishop boldly brought to light the grave security situation our people are facing and the urgent need for decisive action from the state leadership.
We join the Bishop in condemning the alarming rise in violence and insecurity in Benue State, where innocent lives are being lost daily to the brutal attacks of armed Fulani herders.
Bishop Dugu said during the thanksgiving in Vandeikya and we quote:
“They are coming with a strategy. I have also encountered them. I have listened to their re recordings of their threats. They are coming just to kill. And I tell you they are everywhere. When night falls, as our people go to bed, while Fulanis will be in their neighborhood with cattle and dangerous weapons. Tell me how can anyone sleep with your eyes closed in such a situation? It is not possible because your heart will be beating very fast. I urge the Benue State Government to rise up now and save our people. Don’t allow Fulani to slaughter all of us before you get up and begin to declare a curfew and speak grammar on television. Come now! If you don’t come now, there is trouble. So let the Governor (Alia) know that this is the danger that is looming. So I give you one week – Governor, Governor, one week, if you don’t come in one week and drive these herdsmen away, we are gone; and when we are gone, don’t come to us. Allow us to die. It is that serious!”
The Bishop further questioned why Governor Alia has abandoned the state anti-open grazing law.
“What has happened to the anti-grazing law? Where is it? Why can’t we enforce it?”
We condemn Governor Hyacinth Alia for his failure to protect the people of Benue State despite receiving multi billions every month from the federation’s account.
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The governor’s persistent denial of the involvement of Fulani herders in the killings is not only disheartening but also indicative of a disturbing trend of cover-up and obfuscation that serves to shield his Fulani allies from scrutiny. This refusal to confront the reality of the situation undermines the safety and security of all Benue residents, particularly the vulnerable communities that are bearing the brunt of this violence.
Alia’s posture of defending Fulani is also a proof of the fact that he took an oath to protect Fulani interests in Benue State before Fulani elites coordinated by former Kaduna Governor Nasir el Rufai raised N7 billion to support his campaign for the 2023 election.
Bishop Dugu’s poignant remarks reflect the lived experiences of countless families in the Sankera axis and other parts of Benue State, who are now forced to live in fear as they go to bed each night.
The Bishop’s assertion that the attackers come with a strategy and are armed with dangerous weapons is a critical warning that cannot be ignored. We commend Bishop Dugu for his courage to speak truth to power, for it is the voices of leaders like him that shine a light on the injustices faced by our people.
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The bishop’s call for immediate action is not just a plea; it is a desperate cry for help from a people on the brink of despair. We echo his sentiments and urge Governor Alia to take swift and effective measures to address the ongoing crisis. The abandonment of the state’s anti-open grazing law during such a critical time is not just neglect; it is a blatant violation of the trust placed in him by the people of Benue State.
We stand in solidarity with Bishop Dugu and all those who are committed to defending the rights and safety of our people. We demand that Governor Alia act immediately to restore law and order, enforce the anti-grazing law, and ensure that those responsible for the killings are held accountable. The time for excuses has long passed; the time for action is now.
We must ensure that our voices are heard loud and clear: the lives of the people of Benue State matter, and we will not tolerate any further inaction from the Governor.
Signed:
Dennis Agema
President
Network For Transparent Governance (NTG)
Oliver Omenka
Secretary General
