THIS DAWN — Human rights advocate and constitutional lawyer, Chief Malcolm Emokiniovo Omirhobo, has sharply criticised Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, over his recent remarks dismissing claims of genocide in the state.
Governor Alia, speaking during an international engagement, declared that there was “no Christian genocide in Benue State”.
He insisted that the state was only grappling with general security challenges, drawn outrage from activists and community leaders.
These argued that Benue remains one of the epicentres of violent attacks, mass killings, and forced displacement in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.
Downplaying violent atrocities
In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, Chief Omirhobo condemned the governor’s remarks as “shocking, disappointing, and utterly irresponsible”.
He accused him of downplaying years of violent atrocities suffered by Benue communities.
According to the Lagos-based lawyer, Governor Alia’s assertion distorts reality.
It also dishonours the memories of thousands of victims who have lost their lives in sustained armed attacks across the state.
He noted that entire communities in Benue have been razed, farmlands destroyed, and families forced into displacement camps due to incessant violence linked to militia and terrorist groups.
“These atrocities did not happen in the governor’s imagination; they happened on Benue soil, to Benue people.
“For a leader who swore an oath to protect his citizens to now stand before the international community and deny their suffering shows one thing.
“Governor Alia is out of touch with reality, or deliberately choosing political convenience over truth and justice,” Omirhobo said.
He argued that public denial of well-documented killings only serves to embolden perpetrators, eroding public trust in the government’s commitment to protecting vulnerable communities.
Leaders who sanitize atrocities to please foreign partners
Omirhobo stressed that Nigeria does not need leaders who “sanitize atrocities to please foreign partners”.
Rather, they need leaders with the courage to acknowledge hard truths, demand accountability, and champion justice for victims.
“To claim there is ‘no genocide’ in Benue is not just a lie; it is a betrayal of the victims, a betrayal of history, and a betrayal of the Nigerian people,” he said.
He urged Governor Alia to retract his “reckless statement” with immediate effect.
He added that genuine leadership requires honesty, empathy, and unwavering commitment to the security and dignity of citizens.
