Amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in Benue State, Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has come under intense national criticism for traveling to Brazil to attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro alongside President Bola Tinubu.
The backlash follows the Governor’s announcement on social media, in which he touted his participation in a "high-level bilateral meeting" with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This move has been widely condemned by citizens and rights groups who accuse the governor of abandoning urgent security and humanitarian responsibilities at home in favor of international photo-ops.
Just weeks before the summit, Benue State witnessed one of the deadliest attacks in recent memory, where over 200 people were brutally murdered in the Yelewata community by suspected armed herders. The massacre also left hundreds displaced, with survivors decrying inadequate government intervention and a lingering sense of fear due to limited security presence.
The timing of the governor’s foreign trip has amplified public anger. Social media has been flooded with reactions, with many describing Alia’s actions as insensitive and disconnected from the plight of the people he swore to protect.
President Tinubu, who also attended the summit, has not been spared from criticism. His response to the killings — calling on Governor Alia to “engage in dialogue” with the attackers — has been slammed by Nigerians as “tone-deaf”, “dangerous”, and “a betrayal of justice”.
Analysts say this incident reflects a growing trend of political leaders prioritizing international image over domestic governance. As the outrage continues to build, questions remain over when — and if — meaningful intervention will come for the people of Benue.
