The saying that 99 days for the thief and one day for the owner has come true with Plateau and Benue states as strong pointers to the case study of the root and sponsors of killer herders
Nigerians in these states can longer hide the fact that their brothers, sisters and generations are being killed daily. These killings are now subtle ways of ethnic cleansing to pave the way for aliens to possess the indigenous lands.
Nigerians no longer look up to the government for employment and the next meal but appeal to them for life sustainability and protection first.
The late Sony Okosun asked a rhetorical question “where do we go from here”? Churches where miracles are performed daily have not been able to proffer solution to the blood shed. “Is God angry with our pastors and prophets or are their prayers an abomination to God”? Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Rrt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma are reckoned with for their boldness as they have advised citizens to defend themselves by any means possible. Every so-called big man that has migrated to the cities and other people’s homes for safety will eventually have his ancestors deny his corpse at death.
The capacity, determination and authority of Governor Hyacinth Alia were no doubt undermined when he was considered as the best choice to lead Benue state by its political godfathers. He has continued to say that, among his priority, is “his worry to free his people from what may consume them”.
Governor Alia, like Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso, is a determined and energetic peculiar man sent ahead to bruise the heads of the Pharoahs in the old Benue state. Thus, the reason his laudable projects are attracting bloody attacks from the opposition. According to the governor, “The freeloaders cannot find a loophole to steal government money meant for genuine purpose.
Just as the world sympathises with the people of Benue state for their massive loss of lives and properties, the mass majority at home and the diaspora stand firm behind their governor while bearing in mind that their cry to heaven for decades have been answered. Alia’s personality distinguishes him from political drunkards that still want their state to remain in agony. His pragmatic presentation approach demonstrates that security is more of action rather than noise.
Throwing stones at the governor will rather demoralise him and destroying government’s properties will amount to replacing them with government’s money that should be used to execute capital projects. The people of Benue state should endeavour to join Fr. Alia’s army to battle both the killer herders and their kit and kin who disguise as herders. The battle is not for one man but with togetherness and information on the hideouts of your enemies, no doubt your governor will spring into action to ambush, attack and defend your territories. It’s known that some of these so-called herders are from the neighbouring Taraba and Nasarawa states.
However, the world pleads with indigenes to exercise patience with the governor who is getting to understand the good and worst of politics. Governor Alia will surely fix his state because nature has mandated him to do so.
The bishop who ordained him knew his abilities but many were unable to see them.
Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia is an unconventional politician, full of intellectual property, devoid of primordial sentiments and primitive accumulation of wealth. The people of Benue, especially the media, should intensify efforts to disseminate information that will bring out the strength of their governor to enable him reclaim their lost story.