”Block Killers Like You Blocked Obi!” – Catholic Priest Tears Into Governor AliaA Catholic missionary priest serving in The Gambia, Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, has sharply criticized Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over the relentless wave of killings in the state. The priest urged the governor to demonstrate the same determination he allegedly used to block Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from entering Benue, to stop the ongoing bloodshed.
According to Naija News, Fr. Ugwu’s comments followed the recent attacks on Sunday in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas, where at least 43 people were killed by suspected herdsmen. These fresh atrocities come barely a week after similar deadly assaults in nearby communities.
Taking to his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, Fr. Ugwu reminded Governor Alia — a suspended Catholic priest — that his background in the clergy gave people hope for change and inspired their votes.
“Dear Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, one of the main reasons people voted for you was because you are a priest. They believed you would be different. It is for them I speak,” he wrote.
He condemned the governor’s apparent passivity, criticizing him for repeatedly issuing casualty updates on social media after each massacre, rather than taking preemptive action.
“It is not an achievement to come online every market day to report the number of people butchered. Announce to us those you have arrested. Be proactive, not reactive.”
In a blistering remark, Fr. Ugwu referenced the political controversy in which Governor Alia allegedly barred Peter Obi from visiting the state during the 2023 election campaign.
“The same way you intercepted Obi’s entrance into Benue, you can intercept those killing your people. That is, if you truly want to.”
Fr. Ugwu’s statement echoes growing frustration among Benue residents who feel abandoned amid rising insecurity and repeated violence by suspected armed herdsmen. Many are now questioning whether the change they voted for has truly arrived.
