Benue: Youth coalition demands Alia’s resignation over Ayilamo killings

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders (CONYL) has demanded the immediate resignation of Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia over what it described as the persistent failure of the state government to adequately protect communities from recurring attacks.

The demand followed the killing of 11 people, including four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians, during an attack on Ayilamo community in Tombo Ward of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

In a statement signed by its President-General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, and Secretary-General, Comrade Junaid Abubakar, CONYL described the incident as another devastating episode in the cycle of violence affecting communities in the state. Blueprint reports

The group condemned the attack and commended the security personnel who confronted the assailants, saying the deaths of the officers demonstrated the risks being faced by personnel deployed to protect vulnerable communities.

Group demands accountability

CONYL said the Ayilamo incident should not be treated as an isolated security incident, arguing that recurring attacks had continued to leave communities displaced and residents traumatised.

The group said the situation required authorities to move beyond expressions of sympathy and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether there were intelligence warnings or distress calls before the incident and how such information, if available, was handled.

It also called for an investigation into security deployment, intelligence sharing, logistics and command arrangements surrounding the attack.

The Benue State Police Command had confirmed that four Mobile Police officers and seven civilians were killed after armed attackers invaded Ayilamo. According to the police, security personnel engaged the attackers in a prolonged gun battle before forcing them to retreat into the surrounding forest.

The four officers were identified as ASP Paul Ina, Inspector Mohammed Yusuf, Inspector Oge Ikechukwu and Inspector Edeh Andrew.

CONYL demanded that anyone found to have participated in the attack, supported it or facilitated it should be arrested and prosecuted, irrespective of political or social status.

“There must be no sacred cows, no political protection and no impunity,” the group said.

Fresh attack raises security concerns

The concern over Ayilamo has been compounded by another attack on security personnel in the area.

Two newly deployed Mobile Police officers were killed on September 14 when the entourage of the Divisional Police Officer in Ayilamo was reportedly ambushed while returning from Makurdi. Police confirmed the incident, bringing the number of police officers killed in attacks around Ayilamo within days to six.

The latest development has heightened concerns about the security situation around the community and the vulnerability of personnel deployed to protect residents.

Governor Alia had condemned the initial attack and subsequently commended the Department of State Services over the arrest of three suspects allegedly linked to the incident.

CONYL, however, said the arrests should be followed by a comprehensive investigation capable of identifying not only the immediate attackers but also any persons who may have sponsored or facilitated the violence.

Call for security audit

The youth coalition also demanded a comprehensive security audit of vulnerable communities across Benue state.

It called for the reinforcement of security personnel and improved operational capacity in communities repeatedly targeted by armed groups.

According to the group, the authorities should also ensure that internally displaced persons and families affected by attacks receive adequate protection and humanitarian assistance.

CONYL said regular public disclosure of measures being taken to protect vulnerable communities would help strengthen public confidence and enable citizens to understand the government’s response to the security crisis.

It also called for accountability where investigations establish that acts or omissions by public officials contributed to preventable loss of lives.

CONYL raises concern over political visits

The group further expressed concern over reports surrounding attempts to prevent or obstruct political figures and other Nigerians from visiting communities affected by violence.

It specifically referred to reports concerning a planned visit by former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to Yelwata to meet victims of earlier violence.

While competing accounts had emerged over the circumstances surrounding the reported obstruction, the Benue State Government denied deliberately preventing Obi from visiting the affected community.

CONYL said political differences should not determine whether victims receive visits, solidarity or humanitarian support.

It therefore called for transparency in establishing what happened whenever legitimate humanitarian or solidarity visits are obstructed.

According to the group, anyone found to have unlawfully prevented assistance or solidarity from reaching victims should face appropriate sanctions.

‘People deserve protection’

CONYL said the people of Benue deserved more than official condolences after attacks, arguing that effective security should involve prevention, rapid response and accountability.

The group said farmers, families, children, workers and security personnel in affected communities should not continue to live under the threat of attacks and displacement.

It therefore renewed its demand for Governor Alia’s resignation, arguing that the governor should accept responsibility for what it described as continuing security failures under his administration.

CONYL also called for an independent and comprehensive investigation into the Ayilamo attack, immediate prosecution of suspects found culpable, a review of security arrangements in vulnerable communities and improved assistance for displaced families.

The group urged civil society organisations, youth groups, traditional institutions, religious leaders, professional bodies and the media to continue demanding accountability and stronger protection of civilian lives.