UAD described Governor Alia as “irresponsible” in his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state, saying he only became visibly active when youths took to the streets to express their anger over the killings. 

The United Actions For Democracy (UAD) has accused President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia of shielding those behind the killing of about 200 people in Benue State, while turning state power against citizens who protested the massacre.

UAD in a damning statement issued on Monday, and signed by Barrister Gabriel Ojumah, Convener, said the government’s violent response to peaceful demonstrations, compared to its soft and delayed reaction to the bloodbath in Guma and other towns, confirms that the Nigerian leadership protects killers and punishes protesters.

“This is horrible. We are equally embarrassed by the manner with which the governor; Reverend Father Alia suddenly became so powerful as youths took to the streets on Saturday to protest the massacre. 

“Governor Alia who has been so irresponsible as the Chief Security Officer of the state suddenly became powerful seeing the citizens protest. What this means is that Governor Alia is contended with the killings in Benue State while he hates civil demonstrations.”

UAD described Governor Alia as “irresponsible” in his role as the Chief Security Officer of the state, saying he only became visibly active when youths took to the streets to express their anger over the killings. 

The group claimed Alia’s sudden display of force against demonstrators shows he is more comfortable with mass murder than civic resistance.

It also condemned a phone call between Alia and Tinubu, during which the governor allegedly lied that only 50 people were killed. 

According to UAD, both men appeared more interested in downplaying the crisis than taking decisive action. 

Their countenance, the group said, was “beggarly and conciliatory,” lacking the urgency and resolve demanded by the tragedy.

“We also saw Governor Alia in a phone conversation with the failed president TInubu, lying that those killed were only fifty (50.) We also saw his countenance and that of the president as more of a beggarly and conciliatory other than resolving and taking the bull by the horns immediately." 

UAD expressed outrage that President Tinubu waited until Wednesday — nearly five days after the attack — before planning to visit the state. It said the delay proves that the federal government does not consider the massacre in Benue an emergency, nor does it value the lives of the victims.

“President Tinubu also does not believe that the tragedy in Benue demands an emergency. He told a ceremonial assembly today Monday that he would adjust his schedules, and visit Benue on Wednesday. That's almost five days after the massacre." 

The group further alleged that beyond the herder-farmer crisis narrative, the killings are linked to the ruling class's desire to control and exploit the agricultural and mineral wealth buried beneath Benue soil. It claimed this interest drives the state’s silence on terrorism while intensifying its war on dissent.

UAD warned that both Tinubu and Alia have failed in their responsibilities to protect lives and uphold democratic rights. It called for their immediate resignations, declaring that Nigerians are not safe under their leadership.

The group also urged people across Benue and Nigeria to resist the culture of silence and demand real accountability, insisting that the state’s selective aggression confirms its loyalty to exploitation and not the people.

“Both Governor Alia and President Tinubu have failed Benue and the entire Nigerian people. They have demonstrated that they do not care about the lives of citizens but their malgovernance and punitive activities against our shared democracy.”