PDP Governorship Aspirant, Chief Bemgba Iortyom, Rejects Northern Security Trust Fund, Accuses Gov. Alia of Betraying Benue

Abuja — Prospective 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State, Chief Bemgba Iortyom, has strongly condemned Governor Hyacinth Alia’s inclusion of Benue State in a newly announced Northern Security Arrangement, describing it as a “betrayal, compromise, and a ploy capable of endangering the state’s security.”

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, 4 December 2025, the lawyer and former federal legislator accused Governor Alia of aligning with “external interests hostile to Benue people” and attempting to commit the state to a N1 billion monthly contribution to a regional security trust fund that, according to him, offers no real benefit to Benue.

“A Governor Who Has Rejected Every Offer of Help Cannot Be Trusted”

Iortyom argued that Governor Alia’s track record disqualifies him from committing Benue to any regional security initiative. He alleged that the governor rejected assistance from President Bola Tinubu and other stakeholders in addressing persistent attacks across the state.

He also questioned the governor’s loyalty to Benue’s interests, alleging historical ties between Alia’s 2023 governorship campaign and sponsors opposed to the state’s anti-open grazing law.

According to Iortyom, Governor Alia’s early actions in office — including disbanding the Benue Livestock Guards and effectively suspending the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law — led to a fresh influx of armed herdsmen, resulting in renewed killings and mass displacement in rural communities.

Accusations of Underreporting Killings and Neglecting Local Security

The PDP chieftain accused the governor of downplaying violent attacks by labeling them “mere skirmishes,” even in cases involving massive casualties.

He cited the Yelewata massacre, which reportedly claimed hundreds of lives, as an example of the administration's alleged attempts to minimise the scale of violence.

Iortyom further criticised what he called the poor equipping of local government chairmen, who he described as the frontline responders to rural attacks. He lamented that while the governor reportedly receives N3.5 billion monthly as security vote, council chairmen only recently received official vehicles after more than a year in office.

“Northern Security Arrangement Is a Trap”

According to the PDP aspirant, the newly proposed regional security structure — which covers 19 Northern states — is a “farce” designed to divert Benue’s resources into an initiative that does not prioritise the safety of its people.

He urged Benue citizens to reject the Northern Security Trust Fund, insisting that the contribution would be used “to fund activities of those who have for over a decade been killing and plundering their lands.”

Questions Over State Police and Allegations of Political Thuggery

Iortyom expressed strong reservations about allowing Governor Alia any level of control over a proposed state police force, accusing the governor of promoting thuggery, intolerance, and authoritarian tendencies.

He referenced what he described as the resurgence of political thugs who disrupt public events chanting “No Alia, No Benue,” as well as the demolition of properties belonging to political opponents, including a campaign office linked to a presidential aspirant in the APC.

He also recalled the governor’s controversial attempt earlier this year to remove the Chief Judge of Benue State, Justice Maurice Ikpambese, which was halted only by a court ruling.

Illegal Mining Allegations

The PDP aspirant further accused Governor Alia of hypocrisy for calling on the Federal Government to ban mining in Northern states while illegal mining allegedly continues unchecked in parts of Benue, particularly in Kwande.

He claimed the administration’s Bureau of Mining and Solid Minerals has failed in its oversight role, allowing mining activities — allegedly dominated by Chinese operators — to flourish despite the governor’s recent public stance.

Iortyom concluded by urging Benue residents, civil society organisations, and community leaders to reject Benue’s participation in the Northern Security Arrangement, insisting that it does not reflect the state’s interests and fails to guarantee safety for its people.

He maintained that under Governor Alia, Benue’s security and economic priorities have been compromised and must not be further endangered by what he described as a misguided and suspicious regional pact.