In the sun-scorched farmlands of Benue State, where the Benue River once symbolized abundance, rivers of blood now flow instead. Governor Hyacinth Alia, affectionately called “Father Alia” by supporters, came into office in 2023 riding a wave of hope. Once a Catholic priest, he promised to heal insecurity, rebuild infrastructure, and bring equity to the so-called “Food Basket of the Nation.”
Two years on, however, Alia’s rule reads less like redemption and more like neo-patrimonial populism: a system where personal loyalty outweighs institutional integrity, favoritism masquerades as empowerment, and applause is sought while the people suffer. Vandeikya, his hometown, has become the epicenter of largesse, while other areas, particularly Benue South, remain neglected. Critics have condemned this favoritism, calling it ethnic bias dressed up as governance.
The University of Agriculture, Science, and Technology at Ihugh, approved in May 2025, epitomizes this bias. While it promises agricultural innovation, its location prioritizes hometown pride over pressing security and humanitarian needs in Agatu or Guma, where herder-farmer clashes have displaced thousands.
Nepotism extends to appointments, too. Alia’s cabinet and key posts—from BIPC to security outfits—are dominated by his clerical and ethnic allies, breeding inefficiency and resentment. Attempts to investigate misappropriation, including a reported N345.3 billion, are met with ethnic solidarity shielding the administration, leaving civil servants and pensioners in limbo.
Worse still, dissent is crushed. From denying bail to PDP members in 2023 to cracking down on peaceful protests in June 2025, Alia has weaponized state machinery to silence opposition. Open letters urging him to accept criticism as constructive are met with accusations of misinformation campaigns, turning democratic discourse into a dangerous act.
Security failures compound the tragedy. Despite campaign promises to end farmer-herder violence and resettle over 1.5 million IDPs, carnage continues: coordinated attacks in June 2025 killed over 100, and joint security personnel were slaughtered on September 20, 2025. While former Governor Ortom and others warned him, Alia deflected responsibility and offered weak solutions, leaving communities exposed. The Quick Response Squad, launched in July 2025, has proven under-resourced and reactive.
Meanwhile, white elephant projects and populist gestures dominate headlines. The Makurdi High-Level Underpass, the N50 million reward for footballer Francisca Ordega, and wheelbarrow distributions under “Hyacinth Cares” are flashy optics that fail to address famine, IDP crises, or anti-grazing enforcement. BIPC ventures, like the Nylon Plant or ZEVA Beer, look more like vanity projects than sustainable development.
Political thuggery has also surged. Opposition parties report intimidation, harassment, and election manipulation. The slogan “No Alia, No Benue” underscores a growing cult of personality where dissent invites violence, and stakeholders are sidelined.
Father Alia may wear the collar of service, but Benue’s people see a leader prioritizing self-preservation over their lives. Neo-patrimonial populism has turned the state into a fiefdom where Vandeikya thrives while others starve. The blood of the slain cries out for leadership that values security, equity, and dialogue. Without it, Alia risks being remembered not as a savior, but as another shepherd who scattered his flock.
