Intercept killers same way you stopped Peter Obi from visiting Benue – Catholic priest blasts Alia

Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, a Catholic missionary priest serving in The Gambia, has called on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to take decisive action against the recurring killings in the state, likening the urgency to the governor’s reported stance in stopping the visit of Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to the state.

The statement follows a recent attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Sunday, which left at least 43 people dead across two communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas of Benue State. The assault comes just a week after similar violence was recorded in the region.

Fr. Ugwu, reacting via a post on his Facebook page on Tuesday, criticized the governor’s perceived inaction and frequent social media updates on casualty figures, urging him instead to focus on prevention and justice.

“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 for them I speak,” Ugwu wrote.

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

Fr. Ugwu’s remarks reflect growing frustration among citizens over the ongoing security challenges in Benue, particularly attacks allegedly carried out by armed herders, which have persisted despite various government efforts over the years.

Governor Alia, a Catholic priest suspended from clerical duties upon assuming political office, has not officially responded to Ugwu’s statement at the time of this report.