By ConfirmNews
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stirred nationwide attention with a striking allegation that the armed herders responsible for the ongoing violence and killings in the state are not Nigerians, but foreigners from Mali.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, the governor revealed that the language, appearance, and behavior of the attackers are clear signs that they are not the traditional Fulani herders known across Nigeria.
According to him, these individuals are outsiders, possibly mercenaries, who do not share the cultural or linguistic traits of indigenous Fulani herders.
“We know Nigerians—by our ethnicities, we can identify a Fulani man, a Yoruba man, a Hausa man—we know them,” Governor Alia stated.
He explained that traditional Fulani herders are usually seen guiding their cattle peacefully with sticks. In contrast, the attackers plaguing Benue communities arrive heavily armed, often wielding AK-47s and AK-49s, which suggests a more organized and militant operation.
Governor Alia further emphasized that the attackers’ speech patterns are foreign, even though they speak Hausa and Fulani.
He noted that the versions they speak differ significantly from the dialects spoken within Nigeria. Local people familiar with the languages have identified the differences, with many pointing to a Malian origin.
Benue State has witnessed waves of violence in recent months, particularly in local government areas such as Otukpo, Ado, and Logo.
The repeated attacks have led to the deaths of many residents, destruction of property, and the displacement of entire communities.
These disturbing developments have heightened tensions in the region and called the federal government’s border security measures into question.
Governor Alia's revelation adds a new dimension to the escalating farmer-herder crisis in the Middle Belt, suggesting that the conflict may be driven not only by internal factors but also by foreign intervention. His comments are expected to ignite debate on national security, border control, and the root causes of rural violence.
As the situation unfolds, many Nigerians are now calling for a deeper investigation into the identity and origins of these armed herders, while urging urgent government action to protect the lives and livelihoods of those in affected communities.
Stay with ConfirmNews for continuous coverage on this developing story.