Catholic missionary priest, Rev Fr Kelvin Ugwu, has taken a swipe at Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia following the latest round of killings in the state, accusing him of being more reactive than responsive in tackling the crisis.
His comment comes after suspected herders launched deadly attacks on communities in Gwer West and Apa local government areas of Benue, leaving at least 43 people dead on Sunday. The massacre adds to a growing list of violent incidents in the state.
Reacting via a Facebook post on Tuesday, Fr Ugwu expressed frustration with the governor’s continued habit of merely reporting casualty figures after attacks, rather than preventing them or apprehending those responsible.
“Dear governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, one of the primary reasons that made people vote you is because you are a priest, (though suspended). They believe you will be different. It is for them I speak. It is not a great thing that you come to Facebook every Eke market day to announce to us the number of people that have been butchered,” he wrote.
He went further to challenge the governor’s inaction with a reference to an earlier controversial incident where Alia reportedly blocked Labour Party’s Peter Obi from entering Benue.
“Announce rather those you have apprehended. Be proactive and not reactive. In the same way you intercepted Obi’s entrance to Benue, you can also do the same to these people killing your people. That is if you want to,” Ugwu added.
Alia, a suspended Catholic priest himself, rode into office in 2023 with strong support from many in the Christian community, who hoped his religious background would translate into compassionate and people-centered governance.
However, the priest’s latest remarks echo growing concerns that the killings in Benue are continuing under his watch with little sign of accountability or effective deterrence.
Despite repeated attacks, Alia’s administration has largely stuck to issuing statements of condemnation and condolence without providing significant updates on investigations or arrests.
Fr Ugwu’s comments appear to reflect the sentiment of many voters who expected stronger leadership from a fellow clergyman. For them, Benue deserves more than mourning—it deserves action.
