Governor Alia Denies Genocide in Benue State
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has clarified that the ongoing security challenges in the state should not be categorized as genocide.
Governor Alia made the statement during a consultative forum on protecting the rights of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs), organized by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Abuja.
The forum brought together government officials, human rights advocates, and stakeholders to address the plight of displaced persons and explore strategies for their protection.
While acknowledging the severity of insecurity in Benue, Governor Alia emphasized that the attacks and conflicts in the state, often reported in the media, do not meet the legal definition of genocide.
He called for a more nuanced understanding of the situation, stressing the importance of addressing the root causes of violence rather than framing it in extreme terms.
Governor Alia further highlighted the state government’s efforts to provide relief and support for displaced communities, including interventions in education, healthcare, and resettlement programs, while urging collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local authorities to ensure lasting peace.
The NHRC forum underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to protecting displaced persons across Nigeria, with participants advocating for stronger legal frameworks, increased humanitarian assistance, and proactive conflict prevention measures.
