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As grief and anger continue to grip communities in Otukpo and surrounding areas following deadly herdsmen attacks that claimed over 20 lives in places like Otukpo-Nobi and Ugboju, an editorial by Idoma Television has sharply criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia for not personally visiting the affected regions in Benue South.
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The editorial notes that barely 24 hours after the killings, videos emerged of the governor attending a public event in Abuja where he participated in traditional Swange dancing. Instead of a personal visit to comfort grieving families, assess destruction, and reassure residents, the state government announced a ₦5 million relief package delivered through Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, which the community reportedly rejected.
The piece emphasizes that the rejection was not primarily about the money but a deeper call for visible leadership, protection, and genuine empathy. Residents, it states, want assurance that killings will stop and perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted, rather than just financial gestures.
Highlighting the symbolism of leadership during crises, the editorial argues that a governor belongs to every part of the state and that the pain of farmers in Otukpo should matter equally to those in other zones. It questions the growing perception of neglect in Benue South, referencing repeated allegations by Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, and urges Governor Alia to visit the devastated communities to demonstrate that no part of Benue has been abandoned.
The editorial concludes with a poignant question echoing across Idoma land: When will Governor Hyacinth Alia come to Benue South?
