Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has firmly denied allegations of religious genocide in the state, countering concerns reportedly raised by some U.S. officials advocating for Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern. Speaking at an NHRC consultative forum in Abuja, he said reports suggesting religious or ethnic cleansing in Benue were misleading and did not reflect the reality on ground.
Alia acknowledged that the state faces security challenges but insisted they do not meet the United Nations’ criteria for genocide. He also dismissed suggestions of any jihadist campaign in Benue or elsewhere in Nigeria, despite the known extremist ambitions of groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP.
His remarks come at a time of heightened international attention on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. While referencing recent global reactions—including a warning attributed to U.S. President Donald Trump—Alia emphasized that if any form of jihad or religious cleansing existed in the state, he would have been the first to speak out.