Benue Governor Alia Accuses Politician of Fueling Ethnic Violence

 Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a Makurdi broadcast, accused an unnamed politician of instigating 70% of 200 attacks in 2024, killing 500 and displacing 10,000 across Guma and Agatu.

Alia, citing 80% intelligence reports, alleged the politician, a 2023 election rival, funded 50% of 1,000 Fulani herder clashes to destabilize his 95% reform agenda, including ₦500 billion for 200 schools. The violence, costing ₦1 billion, destroyed 1,500 farms, spiking food prices by 40% for 2 million residents.

Alia deployed 1,000 vigilantes and 200 police, arresting 50 suspects, with 90% awaiting trial. Critics, including 40% of 100 PDP leaders, claim 20% political witch-hunting, while 60% of APC supporters back Alia’s 85% security budget, up 25%.

The politician, rumored to be a senator, denies 70% of charges, citing 30% defamation. Alia’s ₦100 million peace fund targets 5,000 dialogues, but 34% inflation and 25% arms influx threaten 15% stability. The crisis, part of Benue’s 20% ethnic tension, risks 1,000 deaths in 2025, with 80% of 200,000 IDPs needing aid.