APC divisions persist in Benue as insecurity worsens with funeral attack, abductions and renewed humanitarian response.
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| Gov Alia and SGF Akume |
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — The internal crisis within the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) continues to deepen despite recent reconciliation efforts by the party's National Working Committee (NWC), exposing political divisions at a time when the state is confronting one of its most challenging security and humanitarian situations in recent years.
While the APC leadership in Abuja has attempted to unite supporters of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, and Governor Hyacinth Alia, both camps continue to operate largely independent political structures, raising concerns over party cohesion ahead of future elections.
The renewed political tension comes as Benue grapples with fresh attacks that have claimed more civilian lives, forced more families from their homes and intensified pressure on humanitarian agencies responding to the state's displacement crisis.
The National Working Committee of the APC recently intervened in the prolonged dispute between supporters of Governor Alia and Senator Akume.
Although meetings were held to reconcile both factions, political observers say the crisis remains unresolved.
Governor Alia's supporters continue to control the APC state secretariat and much of the party's administrative structure within Benue, while the Akume camp has maintained a separate political identity, frequently distancing itself from decisions taken by the state executive.
The lingering disagreement has fueled uncertainty over the party's internal stability despite repeated assurances from national leaders that reconciliation remains a priority.
Analysts warn that prolonged divisions could weaken the party's political strength in a state traditionally regarded as one of the APC's most strategic strongholds in North Central Nigeria.
Away from politics, insecurity continues to dominate public attention.
The latest tragedy unfolded in Otukpo-Nobi community, where gunmen attacked mourners gathered for a funeral ceremony.
According to security authorities, eight people, including three children, were killed during the attack after armed assailants reportedly opened fire on the gathering.
The Benue State Police Command described the incident as a terrorist attack and said security personnel had been deployed to pursue those responsible.
The attack has further heightened fears among residents already traumatized by weeks of violence across parts of Benue South.
In another disturbing incident, suspected gunmen abducted three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue while transporting the remains of their late mother for burial.
The abduction reportedly occurred in Ohimini Local Government Area, adding another layer to growing concerns over the safety of travellers on major roads across the state.
Community leaders have renewed calls for increased security patrols along vulnerable highways, warning that repeated attacks threaten both economic activities and traditional burial rites that often require long-distance travel.
Amid the security crisis, humanitarian efforts have continued across Benue.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), working alongside the Benue State Government and international partners, has commenced the distribution of emergency food supplies to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable households.
The intervention includes food baskets donated through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aimed at easing hardship among communities displaced by persistent violence.
Thousands of residents remain in temporary shelters across Benue following repeated attacks on farming communities over the past several months.
Officials say continued humanitarian support remains essential as many displaced families struggle to rebuild their lives.
Despite ongoing security and humanitarian challenges, global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has affirmed Benue State's 'B' long-term issuer default rating with a Stable Outlook.
The rating reflects confidence in the state's fiscal management while acknowledging the economic pressures created by insecurity and reduced agricultural productivity.
Economic analysts say maintaining investor confidence will depend largely on improvements in security, infrastructure and agricultural recovery.
Observers note that Benue's political divisions are unfolding against the backdrop of worsening insecurity.
Communities across Otukpo, Ohimini, Gwer West, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Apa continue to face repeated attacks, forcing thousands of farmers away from their lands during the peak planting season.
Security experts warn that prolonged political rivalry could complicate coordinated responses to the state's security challenges if key stakeholders fail to work together.
Many residents have called on political leaders across party lines to prioritise public safety above political disagreements.
Benue occupies a strategic position in Nigeria's agricultural economy, producing significant quantities of yam, soybean, rice, cassava and maize.
Continued insecurity, coupled with prolonged political divisions, risks undermining food production, discouraging investment and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The state's ability to restore peace and maintain political stability will significantly influence both regional security and national food security in the months ahead.
The continued rift between Governor Hyacinth Alia and Senator George Akume reflects deeper political realignments within the APC that may not be resolved through party meetings alone.
However, for many Benue residents, the political contest has become secondary to the immediate realities of insecurity, displacement and economic hardship.
As attacks continue across rural communities, public expectations are shifting away from political reconciliation toward measurable improvements in security, justice and humanitarian response.
Ultimately, Benue's greatest challenge may not be resolving political differences but ensuring that governance remains focused on protecting lives, restoring confidence and safeguarding the state's role as Nigeria's food basket.
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