UAD calls for the resignations of President Tinubu and Governor Alia over Benue killings, alleging government failure and exploitation of resources

[dropcap]M[/dropcap]aximum support Benue killings resignation became the rallying message on Monday as the United Actions for Democracy (UAD) issued a damning statement, urging both President Bola Tinubu and Benue State Governor, Reverend Father Hyacinth Alia, to step down immediately following the massacre of nearly 200 people in the state.

Also read: President Tinubu reroutes to Benue amid escalating crisis, shifts Kaduna visit

The statement, jointly signed by UAD’s General Secretary, Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, and Convener, Barrister Gabriel Ojumah, criticised what it described as the government’s repeated failure to protect citizens.

It also accused Nigeria’s ruling elite of prioritising the exploitation of Benue’s agricultural and mineral wealth over the safety and wellbeing of the people.

According to UAD, “The interest of our rulers is to optimise their gains from the illegal and imperial exploitations of these resources with impunity and without any benefits to the people, nor are they even interested in protecting the people.”

The group expressed outrage at the killings which recently took place in Guma and surrounding towns. Their statement described the incident as “horrible” and condemned the apparent indifference from both state and federal authorities.

They also criticised Governor Alia for allegedly downplaying the crisis while actively opposing civil demonstrations.

“Governor Alia, who has been so irresponsible as the Chief Security Officer of the state, suddenly became powerful seeing the citizens protest,” UAD said.

“What this means is that Governor Alia is contented with the killings in Benue State while he hates civil demonstrations.”

UAD further alleged that Governor Alia misrepresented the scale of the massacre in a conversation with President Tinubu, telling him that only 50 people had died.

“We also saw his countenance and that of the president as more of a beggarly and conciliatory nature rather than resolving and taking the bull by the horns immediately,” the group stated.

The president was also criticised for failing to treat the massacre as a national emergency.

According to UAD, President Tinubu’s decision to wait until Wednesday to visit the affected communities—almost five days after the killings—signals a disturbing lack of urgency.

“The tragedy in Benue demands an emergency,” the statement read. “President Tinubu also does not believe that. He told a ceremonial assembly today that he would adjust his schedules and visit Benue on Wednesday.”

As calls grow louder for accountability and decisive action, UAD maintains that both leaders have lost the moral legitimacy to govern.

Also read: 2Baba calls for national intervention amidst Benue killings

They argue that the silence and delayed response are emblematic of a deeper pattern of neglect, authoritarianism, and elite impunity that continues to endanger Nigeria’s democracy and the lives of its citizens.