Akume Challenges Gov. Alia To Name Those Behind Benue Killings
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has called on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to publicly disclose the identities of individuals allegedly funding violent attacks in the state, particularly in the Sankera axis.
Governor Alia, during an appearance on Channels Television, expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of visible support from Akume and his allies in addressing the worsening insecurity in the state. He revealed that a panel of inquiry commissioned by his administration had implicated certain Abuja-based individuals in the ongoing violence.
SGF’s Office Responds: Misrepresentation and Misdirection
In a statement released by the SGF’s office and signed by Special Adviser on Public Affairs, Terrence Kuanum, Akume dismissed the governor’s remarks as misleading and potentially damaging. The SGF emphasized that he has consistently prioritized national security issues, including those affecting Benue, through official channels—often behind the scenes.
The statement stressed that Akume, as a key figure in the Federal Executive Council, has actively worked to ensure that security concerns across Nigeria, including Benue State, are regularly brought to the attention of President Bola Tinubu and the council for prompt action.
“If the governor expected the SGF to be publicly vocal on every security issue, then he either misunderstands governmental processes or is attempting to sway public sentiment unfairly,” the statement read.
National Assembly Members Have Raised the Alarm
The SGF’s office also defended lawmakers aligned with Akume, noting that senators and representatives from Benue—often labeled as the SGF’s “cronies”—have been vocal in drawing attention to the state’s security challenges in the National Assembly.
Lawmakers such as Senators Titus Zam and Emmanuel Udende, among others, have repeatedly raised motions on the floor of both chambers, demanding urgent intervention in response to herdsmen attacks, kidnappings, and other violent incidents plaguing the region. These efforts, the statement claims, have resulted in tangible federal responses.
Governor Asked to Back Claims with Action
Regarding the panel of inquiry cited by Governor Alia, Akume’s office pointed out that proper procedure requires such reports to go through vetting and official endorsement before their findings can be considered binding or credible.
However, since the governor has already referenced the report publicly, the SGF has challenged him to take the next step: name the individuals allegedly responsible for funding violence in Benue.
“Given the serious implications of these claims for national security, we urge the governor to present the names and details of those involved directly to President Tinubu and the Federal Security Council,” the SGF’s office said. “He should also reveal their identities to the public if he truly believes in accountability.”
Call for a More Inclusive Approach to Security
The SGF’s office concluded by urging Governor Alia to adopt a more grassroots-focused and transparent approach to tackling insecurity. Such a method, it suggested, would provide him with a clearer understanding of the complex dynamics at play and help form a consistent strategy.
“Governor Alia needs to clarify whether he believes the threat is driven by foreign elements, internal sabotage, or other actors. Mixed signals do not help the situation,” the statement noted.
Akume reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability in Benue and across Nigeria, assuring the governor of his support—both in official capacity and personal commitment—to ensure a secure and prosperous state.
“May God continue to grant Governor Alia the courage, wisdom, and grace to lead effectively in these challenging times,” the statement concluded.
