In a recent statement, Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has refuted claims of genocide within the state, clarifying that the ongoing security challenges do not meet the internationally recognized definitions of such a classification.
Addressing participants at a consultative forum organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on November 20, 2025, Governor Alia emphasized that although Benue has faced significant insecurity, it does not amount to genocide. “Do we have insecurity in the state? Yes, we do. But it is not a genocide,” he remarked, asserting that the conflicts stem from long-standing tensions between agro-pastoralists and crop farmers rather than ethnically or religiously motivated violence.
Alia pointed out that while there have been incidents leading to loss of life, these do not conform to the criteria set forth by the United Nations for defining genocide. He urged stakeholders to avoid mischaracterizing the situation, suggesting that exaggerations could politicize a serious security issue.
The governor’s comments come amid broader discussions regarding the security situation in Nigeria, especially in relation to reports of violence against certain communities. He reiterated that mislabeling the situation as genocide only complicates the assessment and management of the ongoing conflicts.
