Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has accused some politicians who are currently serving in Nigeria’s National Assembly of being behind the recent attacks happening in the state.

He made this statement during an interview on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” program, saying the situation is disturbing and completely unacceptable.

Although Governor Alia didn’t mention any names, he said that a temporary report from a panel he set up has already identified some well-known people involved in the violence. He added that he plans to take strong action once he receives the complete report from the panel, which is expected between Tuesday and Wednesday next week.

The governor said it is very troubling that some top politicians in Abuja are not only encouraging the attackers but are also helping them by giving them food, shelter in the forests, and even buying weapons for them.

He said this behavior is wrong and dangerous, especially when these leaders only care about keeping their political positions instead of protecting people’s lives. He stressed that his job is to protect the ordinary people of Benue, and he will not ignore what’s happening.

Governor Alia explained that he created the judicial panel to help understand why attacks keep happening from both inside and outside the state. The panel has given an interim report, and the full findings will be handed over to him soon.

Meanwhile, just this past Friday, several people were feared dead and many others injured after suspected armed herdsmen attacked travelers on the Makurdi–Naka road. That road has been under the control of armed Fulani groups for weeks, despite military promises to handle the situation.