Benue Killings Beyond Farmers-Herders Crisis – Northern CAN

The Christian Association of Nigeria in the 19 northern states and the FCT has debunked linkage of the killings in Benue State to herders-farmers clashes, saying the situation was far more complex and dangerous.

Speaking during a visit by CAN to commiserate with the government and people of Benue over the killings, Northern CAN chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, demanded urgent action from the federal government on the killings, describing it as a national emergency.

The chairman, who confirmed the visit to our correspondent in Kaduna yesterday, said the delegation was received by Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi.
“This is not a herders-farmers crisis, and we must stop describing it that way,” Hayab stated, “If you don’t make the right diagnosis, you will never administer the right treatment. We must call these killings what they are and face the situation with honesty and courage.”
He said the visit was a demonstration of solidarity with Benue, which he described as the food basket of the nation and a vital part of Nigeria’s stability.

“Beyond our prayers, we will continue to speak truth to power and engage national leaders until meaningful change is achieved,” he added.

Governor Alia thanked the delegation for the visit, saying it was a divine gesture that brought spiritual strength to the state.

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“As I was shaking hands with all of you and feeling your warmth, what ran through my mind was: ‘I am because you are, and you are because I am.’ That is the message Christ preached—love,” he said.
Governor Alia said the visit was not merely symbolic, adding, “It is Christ who is sitting on each of the chairs you occupy.

That is how much this visit means to me and the good people of Benue.”

He described the killings as a grave assault on human dignity and called for national reflection and collective action to end the violence.

“One life lost is already one too many. When the numbers keep rising, you wonder what is going on,” the governor said.

He urged the Christian community to remain steadfast in prayers for peace in Benue and across the country.

The delegation prayed for the victims, their families and the state, just as they reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to sustained advocacy, justice and peacebuilding efforts across the region.