Primate Elijah Ayodele has described the persistent security crisis in Benue State as an artificial creation with alleged involvement of government officials.
The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church made these explosive claims during a press briefing in Lagos on Sunday, accusing unnamed politicians of benefiting from the state’s instability.
Ayodele asserted that the frequent violent clashes between farmers and herders, which have claimed hundreds of lives in recent years, could have been prevented if those in authority genuinely wanted peace.
He suggested some government officials deliberately allow the crisis to fester for political and economic gains, though he did not provide specific names or evidence to support his allegations.
The spiritual leader called for independent investigations into security operations in Benue, questioning why well-armed attackers consistently evade capture despite military presence.
He warned that the crisis might escalate further unless sincere interventions occur, predicting more displacements and food shortages across the Middle Belt region.
Benue State government officials have not yet responded to Ayodele’s claims. However, local civil society groups have echoed concerns about possible political dimensions to the violence, noting patterns in attack locations and timing.
Security analysts remain divided, with some supporting Ayodele’s assertions while others maintain the crisis stems from complex environmental and economic factors.
Primate Ayodele’s comments come as fresh attacks were reported in Guma and Logo local government areas, displacing over 3,000 residents last week. Humanitarian organisations report worsening conditions in Benue’s IDP camps, with food and medical supplies running critically low.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
