AAC Accuses Governor Alia of Using Armoured Vehicles, Helicopters, Tear Gas on Peaceful Benue Protesters

Agena Robert Ande, human rights advocate and Chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the Federal Capital Territory, has strongly condemned what he described as a violent and disproportionate response to peaceful protests in Makurdi, Benue State. According to Ande, demonstrators gathered to demand an end to the ongoing killings in the state but were met with “state-sponsored brutality.”

In a statement released on Sunday, Ande accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of unleashing security forces equipped with armoured vehicles, helicopters, and tear gas on unarmed protesters, calling the move a reflection of “utter incompetence and disregard for human life.”

“This unprovoked use of force against peaceful demonstrators is not only inexcusable—it is cowardly,” Ande said. “Instead of engaging with citizens demanding protection, Governor Alia chose repression, opting to silence voices rather than address their legitimate concerns.”

Ande criticized the government's handling of the persistent violence in Benue, which he attributed to its failure to address the activities of armed herdsmen accused of terrorizing communities across the state.

“The killings in Benue are the result of the government’s catastrophic failure to address the root causes of the crisis,” he stated. “The inaction towards Fulani herdsmen who have attacked and displaced communities for years has only emboldened them. Governor Alia's attempts to shift blame are proof of his unwillingness to tackle the real issues.”

He further urged the governor to take decisive steps, including publicly condemning the attacks and working collaboratively with security agencies to protect residents.

“It is critical that Governor Alia moves beyond lip service. He must urgently develop a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding lives and property and ensure that those responsible for violence are brought to justice,” Ande added.

Ande also pointed to reports implicating attackers from neighboring Nasarawa State, calling for inter-state cooperation to prevent further cross-border violence.

“The role of Nasarawa in this crisis cannot be ignored. Many victims have identified their attackers as coming from across the border. Governor Alia must engage with his counterparts to put an end to this,” he said.

On the issue of protesters being assaulted and detained, Ande decried what he called a blatant violation of human rights.

“The deployment of live ammunition and tear gas, coupled with the physical assault of demonstrators—some beaten to a pulp before being handed to police—reveals just how far this administration is willing to go to suppress dissent,” he said.

While the number of arrests remains uncertain, Ande assured that the people of Benue would not be intimidated into silence.

“The people of Benue State will not forget. They will not stop demanding justice and accountability. Governor Alia must take responsibility for the worsening crisis and act decisively to resolve it,” he concluded.