Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State addressed a gathering in Abuja on Wednesday, emphatically rejecting the notion that the state is experiencing a religious genocide.
He said, “In Benue we do not have any religious, ethnic, racial, or national genocide,” and stressed that such characterisations do not reflect the reality on the ground.
His remarks came as a direct response to recent statements by United States officials who have urged Nigeria to be designated a Country of Particular Concern because of alleged religious violence.
Alia acknowledged that Benue has faced serious security challenges, including farmer‑herder clashes, banditry, and occasional attacks on villages, but he argued that these incidents do not meet the legal definition of genocide.
He pointed out that the violence is driven primarily by criminal elements and competition for resources, rather than by systematic targeting of any particular faith or ethnicity.
The governor also highlighted the state government’s efforts to restore peace, such as deploying additional security forces, supporting displaced persons, and engaging community leaders in dialogue.
In a meeting with the American ambassador, Alia urged the international community to base its assessments on verified data rather than sensational headlines.
He expressed appreciation for foreign support in combating insecurity but warned that mislabeling the situation could undermine ongoing reconciliation initiatives.
The governor called for continued collaboration with both domestic and international partners to address the root causes of violence and to ensure that all citizens of Benue live in safety and harmony.
