A fresh wave of controversy has erupted over the true nature of the recent killings in Benue State, as the Federal Government (FG) has formally contradicted Governor Hyacinth Alia’s assertion that the attacks were mere reprisal strikes.

 

In a statement released on Monday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, expressed shock at the scale of bloodshed in the Yelewata and Daudu communities of Guma Local Government Area, describing the killings as a “cruel and calculated massacre” that claimed over 200 lives.

 

The governor had earlier downplayed the scope of the violence, stating that only 59 people were killed in what he referred to as possible reprisal attacks by armed herders using known routes from neighbouring Nasarawa State.

 

However, Akume’s statement—issued through his Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum—firmly rejected that narrative, describing the violence as “mindless barbarism” that demanded urgent and unified national response.

 

“I am horrified by the scale of this attack. That over 200 human lives could be wiped out in such a cruel and calculated manner is an affront to our shared humanity,” Akume stated.

 

He went on to call for urgent collective action involving political, religious, and traditional institutions to address the worsening security crisis in Benue and other troubled regions.

 

“As a former governor, I understand the complex challenges associated with fighting insecurity. However, we must all stand together, regardless of our differences, to confront and defeat this evil,” he said.

 

The SGF praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to the Service Chiefs to restore peace and security in the region, describing it as a direct reflection of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

“We must not relent until every community is safe,” Akume added.

 

Governor Alia, who had claimed that the attacks were retaliatory in nature, is now under pressure to clarify his position, especially in light of growing calls for justice and accountability.

 

“What we’re witnessing today, if someone describes it as reprisal attacks, we wouldn’t entirely disagree,” the governor had told reporters—words now sharply at odds with the federal government’s more damning assessment.

 

The contradiction between state and federal accounts has raised concerns about communication breakdowns, political posturing, and inadequate security coordination in regions vulnerable to communal and herder-farmer violence.

 

Meanwhile, humanitarian groups and residents continue to call for greater security presence and faster emergency relief efforts in the affected communities.