Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has attributed the recent surge in deadly violence across the state to foreign militants, primarily from Mali, rather than Nigerian herders. Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Alia said eyewitness accounts and local communities have consistently identified the attackers as non-Nigerians due to their unfamiliar accents and appearance.

“Attackers of Benue communities don’t wear Nigerian looks, and they don’t speak the Hausa or Fulani we know. People in the communities say they are Malians,” he stated.

According to the governor, about 40 people have been killed in the latest wave of attacks, with scores more displaced. He noted that while past conflicts often involved traditional herders, the dynamic has shifted, with herders now collaborating with authorities to identify and report infiltrating terrorists.

“We have fewer problems with traditional herders now. In fact, they inform us when these terrorists are on the move,” Alia added.

Describing the situation as a “coordinated assault,” the governor said the aim of the violence appears to be land grabbing through the displacement of indigenous populations. He confirmed that three bodies were recently recovered in the Katsina-Ala area, an indication that some parts of Benue are already overrun.

To address the crisis, Governor Alia said his administration is ramping up community policing and working closely with local leaders to restore safety and protect affected communities.