“Politically motivated” – Northern group rejects call for state of emergency in Benue

A Northern group, Pathfinders Arewa Projects (PAP), has criticised the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) for calling on the federal government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State.

The call by the CBCN followed recent deadly attacks by armed herders on communities in Benue.

At a press conference on Thursday, PAP chairman Abdulhamid Abdullahi Jakadan said the bishops’ demand was politically motivated and aimed at undermining Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration.

Jakadan said: “We acknowledge the concerns raised by the CBCN over the loss of lives and security challenges in Benue.

“However, the statement by Bishop Leonard Kawas contains troubling inflammatory rhetoric and dangerously politicised narratives that must be corrected.”

Jakadan questioned why a state of emergency was not declared in Zamfara, Katsina or Borno states, which have also suffered mass killings and abductions.

“If a state of emergency was the solution, why was it not imposed in these states? Why is CBCN advocating it only in Benue?” he asked.

He accused the CBCN of being sponsored by opponents of Governor Alia to discredit his efforts.

“Men of God are men of integrity; they should not allow themselves to be used by politicians bent on undermining the governor,” Jakadan added.

He called for a focus on strengthening security, promoting local conflict resolution, and fostering dialogue among ethnic and religious groups.

“We agree injustice must never be tolerated, but justice should be pursued with truth, restraint, and responsibility,” he said.

Jakadan urged the CBCN to build bridges rather than reinforce stereotypes or divisive narratives.

He acknowledged government efforts, saying increased security deployments and dialogue initiatives were ongoing, though more is needed.

“Discrediting these efforts entirely is neither fair nor productive. Constructive criticism should accompany proposals that foster collective security, not deepen mistrust,” he said.

He called on religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace, not panic.

“Religious leaders carry immense influence and must use their platforms to unify, heal and de-escalate — not amplify sectarian anxieties or lend legitimacy to conspiracy theories,” Jakadan said.

“The security challenges in Benue are rooted in long-standing competition over land, environmental degradation, and weak state mechanisms for conflict resolution.

“Portraying the crisis strictly through a religious or ethnic lens risks inflaming tensions and inciting division in a pluralistic society,” he concluded.