Tackle Killer Herdsmen with Same Zeal Used to Block Peter Obi’s Visit, Catholic Priest Tells Gov Alia

By Emmanuel Kwada

A Catholic missionary priest based in The Gambia, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has publicly challenged Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to confront the ongoing menace of killer herdsmen with the same determination he displayed in preventing Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from entering the state.

The call comes amid a fresh wave of deadly attacks by suspected armed herders in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, which claimed at least 43 lives on Sunday.

In a scathing post on his verified Facebook page, Fr. Ugwu expressed frustration over the recurring violence in Benue, urging Governor Alia to shift from reactive announcements to proactive measures. “Dear Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, one of the primary reasons that made people vote for you is because you are a priest, though suspended. They believed you would be different,” Ugwu wrote.

Dear Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, one of the primary reasons that made people vote for you is because you are a priest, though suspended. They believed you would be different

“It is not a great thing that you come to Facebook every Eke market day to announce to us the number of people that have been butchered. Announce rather those you have apprehended. Be proactive and not reactive.”

The priest pointedly referenced Governor Alia’s recent decision to block Peter Obi’s humanitarian visit to Benue, which was intended to support Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and visit a school and nursing institution.

In April 2025, Alia issued a statement through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, warning that the safety of high-profile visitors, including Obi, could not be guaranteed without prior approval from the state government.

The directive drew widespread criticism, with Obi stating that his visit was purely humanitarian and not politically motivated.

“In the same way you intercepted Obi’s entrance to Benue, you can also do the same to these people killing your people. That is if you want to,” Fr. Ugwu added, implying that the governor’s swift action in blocking Obi’s visit could be replicated to curb the herdsmen’s attacks.

In the same way you intercepted Obi’s entrance to Benue, you can also do the same to these people killing your people. That is if you want to

The recent attacks in Gwer West and Apa, which left 12 dead in Apa and 11 in Gwer West, follow a pattern of violence that has plagued Benue for years, with suspected herders targeting farming communities. Governor Alia confirmed the latest killings in a statement on Monday, pledging immediate security measures.

However, critics, including Fr. Ugwu, argue that these responses lack the urgency needed to prevent further bloodshed.

Benue, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket,” has been a flashpoint for clashes between herders and farmers, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of countless residents.

You can block Peter Obi from entering your state but you can’t block killer herdsmen from entering your state to k!ll your people

The Benue Democratic Ambassadors recently claimed that 20 of the state’s 23 local government areas are under siege by armed herders, with even the state capital, Makurdi, no longer safe.

Fr. Ugwu’s remarks have sparked conversations on social media, with some users echoing his sentiments. One X post stated, “You can block Peter Obi from entering your state but you can’t block killer herdsmen from entering your state to k!ll your people,” reflecting growing public frustration.

It is not a great thing that you come to Facebook every Eke market day to announce to us the number of people that have been butchered

The Catholic Church in Benue has also voiced alarm, with priests in the Makurdi Diocese reporting that over 15 churches are under siege. They described the attacks as a direct assault on the Church and its leadership, particularly targeting Bishop Wilfred Anagbe, whose village was recently attacked.

The clerics have called on Governor Alia and President Bola Tinubu to declare a “total war” against the perpetrators, whom Alia has previously identified as non-Nigerian terrorists.

Read Also: Over 33 Killed in Suspected Herdsmen Attacks on Benue Communities