The Benue State Government has dismissed recent criticisms from former appointees of the previous administration, describing their actions as a “poorly staged mockery of our collective sensibilities” and declaring that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s strategic and calm approach to insecurity is already yielding visible results across the state.

In a strongly worded press statement titled “Gov. Alia’s Shift From Propaganda on Insecurity Will Benefit Benue People Better”, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, lashed out at the Association of Former Appointees of the Ortom administration, who had criticized the Governor over his handling of security and governance issues. “We have watched, with a mix of dismay and bemusement, a shameless video of a press release featuring the Association of Former Appointees of the last administration,” Kula stated. He described the group as “political juveniles of the retired administration” who “borrowed the boldness to question the outing of His Excellency, Governor Hyacinth Alia.”Kula argued that the Governor’s approach to security marks a clear departure from the past, noting: “Unlike the last administration, the current government did not assume office with a mindset rooted in mischief and propaganda. Instead, it has let actions speak louder than words.”He emphasized the inclusive and regional collaboration adopted by the Alia administration, highlighting that “Governor Alia adopted a fresh approach that actively involves key stakeholders, particularly in neighboring states… His administration has shifted from the isolationist and confrontational stance of the past government, which made Benue a pariah among its neighbors and a sworn enemy of the central government.”On the ongoing restoration of peace, the statement pointed to progress in areas such as Sankera, Guma, and Nzorov. “Take, for example, the peace dialogue in Sankera, a region that was known for crisis for over a decade. Sankera is currently seeing actors in the conflict return to the table for peace talks.”Referencing Guma specifically, Kula noted: “The return of peace in Guma… has allowed residents, including these two former appointees of the previous administration, for the first time in over eight years, to farm rice in their ancestral homes and harvest without fear of herdsmen attacks. That alone should be enough to make these politically paid actors grateful to Governor Alia, rather than starring in a pitiful show of shame tagged, ‘a press conference.’”He further cited recent peaceful events in the hometown of former Governor Ortom as evidence of improved security: “In Mbabegha, Nzorov Council Ward, home of the former governor Ortom… two burials attended by prominent citizens, were recently conducted peacefully… This is a scenario that would have been unthinkable under their terror-filled watch.”Addressing criticisms over the welfare of IDPs, the statement explained that many remained in camps due to destroyed homes, not government neglect. “Governor Alia’s administration is actively working behind the scenes to ensure their safe and dignified return to their ancestral homes, and that process is ongoing.”On allegations that Governor Alia is “in bed with marauders,” Kula fired back, saying: “Such a claim is as ridiculous as it is malicious and could only be conjured by minds long corrupted by political bitterness.”He emphasized that “the Governor has done is to pursue a more diplomatic and strategic approach in dealing with this menace… Those tactics resolved nothing, but instead, escalated tensions and isolated Benue further from national support.”The statement also accused former Governor Ortom of hypocrisy, particularly regarding the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law: “The head of the last administration, Gov. Ortom reportedly one of the biggest cow merchants in Benue with over 10,000 cattle cannot show Benue people the location of any functional ranch for his own herd.”It suggested a link between renewed violence and political sabotage, stating: “The resurgence of violence in some parts of the state aligns suspiciously with these sudden coordinated media attacks… Their actions suggest a deliberate plot to sponsor unrest in a bid to discredit the current government.”On healthcare, Kula said it was “laughable that the former appointees under whose watch the Benue State University Teaching Hospital collapsed would now try to speak.” He outlined several improvements under Governor Alia’s administration, including a new water project, an international cancer centre, and the establishment of a special needs school.Regarding Governor Alia’s reference to ECOWAS protocols in dealing with the herder-farmer crisis, the statement clarified: “Governor Alia’s diplomatic strategy grounded in both national and international frameworks is aimed at finding sustainable, long-term solutions that protect farmers, encourage peaceful coexistence, and align with national interests.”Kula concluded by stating that the opposition was trying to shift blame: “Trying to pin the consequences of their eight years of catastrophic governance on a 23-month-old administration is not only dishonest; it is delusional and irresponsible.”He ended the statement by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to rebuilding Benue: “This government is focused on progress, not performances. While they rehearse press releases in rented halls, Governor Alia is restoring dignity, rebuilding systems, and returning Benue to its rightful place.”Kehe Hon,Information Officer,Government House Makurdi.12/04/2025.