A storm of accusations has hit top political figures in Benue State. Two influential groups, the Coalition for Civil Society in Nigeria and Advocates of Social Justice say the wave of killings across the state isn’t random. According to them, it’s a calculated move by elected and appointed government officials with strong political motives.
They alleged that politicians are deploying street and campus cults to execute violent acts and destabilize the state.
At a press briefing in Abuja, on the 6th of April, 2025, the groups’ Chief Convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, didn’t mince words. He linked the surge in violence to a tribunal ruling in favor of elected councilors from Benue North West’s seven local government areas.
He said, “Since the day the Benue State Local Government Election Tribunal delivered judgment in favour of the elected councilors from the seven local government areas of Benue North West Senatorial District, zone B, hell has been let loose in Benue. Everyday, there are pockets of killings which we believe are being sponsored by some national assembly members who constitute themselves as enemies of the State.”
Ude-Umanta expressed disbelief that public office holders would allow or even enable such bloodshed.
“It is worrisome that people who are elected to serve the people are the ones also killing them indirectly, just to score political points.
“What will the people gain if they continue to lose their loved ones because you want a state of emergency declared in your own State?
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“These rascals must be stopped. Do they think that Nigerians would fold their arms and watch these few elements pull down the Country?”
Both groups are urging law enforcement to act without delay.
“We call on the security agencies to immediately go after the serial killers in Benue State. Street and campus cults are being used while they would blame it on the state governor for failing to provide security even though they know fully well that state governors do not have control over security matters in Nigeria but the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“These same characters will boldly tell the world that they are supporting Mr President yet, they are bastardizing his administration and secretly sponsoring insecurity in Benue State.”
The message is clear: the groups believe the violence is state-sponsored, politically driven, and dangerously underplayed.