The United Action for Democracy (UAD) has called for the immediate resignation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, over their handling of the recent deadly attacks in Benue State, which reportedly claimed the lives of nearly 200 people.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday, the group expressed deep outrage over what it described as the “massacre” of innocent citizens in Guma and other communities, and accused both the federal and state governments of gross irresponsibility.
The statement was jointly signed by the UAD General Secretary, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, and Convener, Barr. Gabriel Ojumah.
“The killings in Benue are horrific,” the UAD stated, adding that the government’s failure to respond swiftly underscores a troubling pattern of neglect and disregard for human life.
The group criticised Governor Alia for what it termed a “lack of leadership,” especially in the wake of protests by angry youths in the state. According to the UAD, the governor only became visibly active after demonstrations erupted, accusing him of being more intolerant of civil unrest than of the mass killings themselves.
The UAD also took aim at President Tinubu, accusing him of downplaying the scale of the tragedy. The group referenced a phone conversation between Tinubu and Governor Alia, during which the governor allegedly understated the death toll. “Rather than take decisive action, the president appeared conciliatory and indifferent,” the group said.
The civil society organisation condemned the President’s decision to delay a visit to the affected areas until five days after the attacks, arguing that such a response reveals a troubling lack of urgency.
“The President and the Governor have failed the people of Benue and Nigeria as a whole. Their approach to this tragedy reflects a government that prioritises political survival over the protection of citizens,” the UAD said.
It further alleged that beyond the widely cited herder-farmer crisis lies a deeper economic interest in the state’s vast agricultural and mineral resources, accusing the political elite of exploiting these without regard for local communities.
“They are quick to suppress peaceful protests but often respond weakly to terrorist attacks. This is because they stand to gain more from the chaos,” the group alleged.
The UAD concluded by urging Nigerians, particularly those in Benue, to demand accountability and push for the resignation of both leaders.
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