Gov Alia’s Aide Accuses Benue People For Killing Themselves

A group of Benue youths known as Concerned Benue Indigenes has demanded an apology from the state Governor, Hyacinth Alia over the statement made this morning by his media aide, one James Asortar accusing people of the state of killing themselves. 

In a statement released by its Coordinator, Concerned Benue Indigenes stated that the comments of the media aide reflected the stand of his principal who has consistently held the same view that youths of the state are responsible for the killings. The statement reads: 

“We read a statement on social media made by one James Asortar who is a media aide to the Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia in which he accused the good people of the state of being behind the attacks and killings ongoing in the state.

“The Governor’s aide stated without mincing words that some Benue people have been carrying out the attacks and killings only to turn around and blame Fulani herdsmen. 

“The accusation made by governor Alia’s media aide without doubt reflects the stand of his principal who has on several occasions blamed youths of Benue State for killing their people and not Fulani herders as widely reported. 

“Even before Alia became governor, he accused Benue youths on many occasions and promised to end the killings within his first 100 days in office. Now that he is the governor, the attacks have increased, but he has always exonerated Fulani herders from all blames. 

“The media aide of governor Alia was apparently echoing his principal’s views on the killings. 

“It is unfortunate and sad that a man who rode to power with tens of fake promises has not been able to fulfill even one of the promises and is rather accusing the people of his state, many of whom are languishing in IDP camps. 

“Since coming to power, Governor Alia has not bothered to visit any of the camps on his own. The only time he was in one of the camps was when a United Nations delegation was in the state and asked him to take them to see the displaced people. 

“This consistent insult on the sensibilities of Benue people by governor Alia and his horde of media aides must stop! He has not shown capacity to govern the state so he should allow the people to regret in peace why they voted for him. Adding insults to the injuries and the bad governance he is displaying is unacceptable! 

“Governor Alia should apologize to us Benue people for the insults he and his aides have been leveling against us. 

“We will not forget!”

The group submitted.