1999 ECOWAS Protocol Fueling Insecurity in Benue — Gov. Alia
…says 17 LGAs still house IDPs, calls for reversal of transhumance agreement
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has attributed the persistent insecurity in the state to the 1999 adoption of the ECOWAS Protocol on Transhumance, which allows cross-border grazing. Speaking in an exclusive interview, Alia called for the reversal of the protocol, noting it has led to widespread displacement and insecurity in border regions.
“We currently have IDPs in 17 out of 23 local governments. This isn’t just random herder movement anymore these are coordinated attacks, often carried out by mercenaries who displace locals and allow foreign herders to take over their lands,” Alia said.
The governor, a Catholic priest-turned-politician, emphasized that Benue’s rich resources including fertile land, water, and minerals have become a curse rather than a blessing, attracting violent groups and fueling land-grabbing.
He explained that over 1.5 million people were displaced before his administration came into office. “With support from the UN and IOM, we’ve now created a proper database of IDPs and are working on a three-point solution: care, temporary housing, and eventual return to ancestral lands.”
Alia also revealed that despite inheriting ₦359 billion in debt, his administration pays workers’ salaries promptly by the 22nd or 23rd of every month. “We’ve prioritized accountability, strategy, and transparency. That’s how we’re making things work,” he said.
On tensions with the judiciary, Alia clarified that any issues with the Chief Judge have been referred to the National Judicial Council (NJC), maintaining that due process is being followed.
He urged the Federal Government to renegotiate Nigeria’s participation in the ECOWAS protocol, stressing the urgent need to secure Nigeria’s borders and restore peace to affected communities.
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1999 ECOWAS Protocol Fueling Insecurity in Benue — Gov. Alia