By Felly Mammah

It is deeply troubling — and frankly insulting — how Nigerian politicians have reduced our great nation to a shadow of itself on the global stage. A country once full of promise now sits as a footnote among world powers, not because of lack of potential, but because of the greed and recklessness of those entrusted with leadership. These same politicians, who profess Christianity and Islam, pray daily while elevating money and dark powers above integrity and accountability.

They forget the fate of Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Saul, and Goliath — mighty men who fell not just from power but from grace. Today, many leaders bow to money and power, forgetting that a good name is more valuable than riches, and that no amount of wealth can purchase happiness or wisdom.

In contrast stands Governor Hyacinth Alia, a man who made a vow to serve God and humanity — and has remained faithful to that pledge. Known for his days as a Catholic priest, Fr. Alia was a powerful voice against evil, preaching justice, peace, and freedom. He continues to stand as a moral compass in a time when leadership is scarce.

Fr. Alia’s rise to power was first endorsed by destiny not only by political forces but also, by the will of the people who believed in his moral strength. Unfortunately, some of the same people have entrusted the safety of their land and livestock to enemies of the state. In a country that still lacks proper data on population and movement, and where vast forests now shelter criminals instead of wildlife, the risk is immense.

Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, has repeatedly said that Benue’s challenge lies in farmer-herder clashes. However, the Tor Tiv — a highly respected traditional ruler — disagrees. He calls it what it is: a deliberate, well calculated and planned genocide that is long-running.

Benue, predominantly a Catholic state, is now facing uncomfortable questions. Why has the Church — expected to support a fellow priest and stand firm against injustice — remained silent in the face of these massacres? One writer even accused both the Catholic Bishops and others  including clergy men of attempting to discredit Governor Alia by calling for a state of emergency, rather than rallying behind his efforts to protect his people.

Rev. Fr. Alia has been vindicated in the eyes of many. He is not the problem; but part of the solution. His courage in confronting long-standing threats to his state — that existed even during Senator Akume’s tenure as governor — deserves recognition and Permanent end. His unwavering stand against banditry and bloodshed is one that other leaders should emulate.

The latest attacks, which claimed over 200 lives in Benue, prompted the urgent visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The President rightly questioned why no suspects had been arrested, even as the carnage unfolded from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. in unprotected communities like Yelewata.

Former Governor Bode George captured the root of the crisis clearly: it’s about economic determinant. The land and people of Benue are under siege, not just by criminals, but by calculated interests. This is not mere conflict — it is conquest by stealth.

Nigeria’s spiritual and intellectual elite — Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, professors, and even self-proclaimed prophets — have largely gone silent. Their silence is deafening, and it confirms a generation in danger. If leaders like Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré — young, fearless, and patriotic — are rare, then our children’s future may already be in peril.

To restore dignity and protect lives in Benue, President Tinubu has now ordered the formation of an elders’ committee to develop a lasting solution. Security forces have also, been tasked with finding and arresting the heavily armed herdsmen who committed these atrocities — many of whom wiped out entire family lineages in a single night.

Let us not forget: our elders today are the grandfathers of tomorrow’s youth. The Bible warns that the sins of the fathers will revisit their descendants and leanage up to seven generations. But God sees all in their locations — even in the grave, He is still Lord.

Benue needs more than sympathy. It needs action.
It needs truth.
It needs justice.
And above all, it needs leaders who fear God more than man.