The African Action Congress (AAC) has strongly condemned the violent suppression of peaceful protesters in Makurdi, Benue State, describing the government’s response as “state-sponsored brutality” and a “cowardly betrayal” of the people by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Agena Robert Ande, human rights activist and Chairman of the AAC in the Federal Capital Territory, decried the violent dispersal of citizens who had gathered to demand an end to the ongoing killings in the state.
According to Ande, security forces unleashed “unrestrained violence” on the demonstrators, deploying armoured vehicles, helicopters, and tear gas to intimidate and disperse the unarmed crowd.
“This is a damning indictment of the government’s utter disregard for human life,” Ande said. “Rather than show leadership and compassion, Governor Alia chose brute force, ordering a military-style crackdown on peaceful protesters. It is a shameful, thuggish response to legitimate public outcry.”
Ande slammed Governor Alia for failing to engage with the protesters or condemn the violence they were rallying against. Instead, he accused the governor of opting for repression, further eroding public trust in his administration.
“Deploying such excessive force against unarmed citizens is nothing short of state violence,” he added. “It shows a complete lack of empathy and highlights the incompetence of a government that would rather silence its people than address their pain.”
The AAC leader linked the worsening insecurity in Benue to what he called the government’s longstanding failure to confront the root causes—particularly the repeated attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen on rural communities.
“For years, Fulani herdsmen have terrorised Benue communities while the government stood idle,” Ande said. “Governor Alia’s attempts to deflect blame are a clear sign that he lacks the courage and political will to face the real threat.”
He called on the governor to take immediate action, beginning with a public condemnation of the killings and the development of a concrete security strategy to protect lives and property.
“It’s no longer enough to issue statements after each attack,” Ande stressed. “Governor Alia must take full responsibility and coordinate with security agencies to craft a clear plan for the safety of the people.”
He also raised concerns about the suspected involvement of attackers from neighbouring Nasarawa State, urging cross-border cooperation to prevent further violence.
“Multiple victims have identified Nasarawa as the base from which some of these attackers launch their operations,” Ande said. “Governor Alia must engage with his counterparts in neighbouring states to shut down safe havens for these terrorists.”
Addressing reports of brutality during the protest, Ande condemned the use of live bullets and the manhandling of demonstrators.
“The accounts of peaceful protesters being beaten and handed over to police by government-backed thugs are deeply troubling,” he said. “This is a direct attack on the rights of citizens to express their grievances. It must not go unpunished.”
Although the exact number of arrests remains unclear, Ande reiterated that the people of Benue will not be intimidated into silence.
“Benue people are tired of empty promises and rising body counts,” he said. “They will not forget this betrayal. They will continue to demand justice, accountability, and real action from a government that has so far failed them.”
He concluded with a warning to the state government: “This crisis will not disappear through violence and denial. It will only end when those in power take responsibility and act decisively in defence of human lives.”
