Gov. Sule denies Involvement in Benue Killings, mulls legal action over allegations

From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has dismissed as “malicious and unfounded” allegations linking him to the spate of killings and land grabbing in neighbouring Benue State.

At a press conference held Wednesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Secretariat in Lafia, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ibrahim Addra, condemned the accusations made by Zachary Anger Gundu, a former Pro-Chancellor of Benue State University, describing them as inflammatory and capable of undermining ongoing peace efforts in the region.

In a video that has gone viral, Gundu accused Governor Sule of “masking the killings in Benue State” and “forcefully taking over Tiv farmlands in Nasarawa to hand over to Fulani herdsmen.”

Reacting, Addra said the state government is “dismayed” by the claims, which he described as baseless and lacking in evidence.

“We are dismayed that Gundu could stoop so low and throw caution to the wind by making such unsubstantiated and baseless allegations against the Governor,” he said.

He added that Governor Sule has always shown empathy toward victims of violence across the North-Central region, including in Benue.

“Governor Sule, in the spirit of brotherhood and good neighbourliness, has continued to demonstrate serious concern over the unfortunate killings in Benue and other parts of the region,” Addra stated.

The CPS challenged Prof. Gundu to substantiate his claims with verifiable evidence.

“We challenge Gundu to prove his allegations with empirical evidence detailing where the said killer herdsmen are being camped in Nasarawa State and the involvement of the Governor in such.

“He must also provide concrete proof to support the grievous allegations of land seizures and transfers to Fulani herdsmen.”

Addra warned that failure to do so would prompt legal action.

“If this demand is not met, Governor Abdullahi Sule will institute legal action against Prof. Gundu and his co-travellers,” he said.

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He further clarified that neither the Governor nor his administration has ever received a request for land from Fulani herdsmen, nor have they taken land from any citizen.

“We make it categorically clear: no Fulani man has ever approached the state government for land. Neither the Governor nor the state has forcefully taken land from any citizen, let alone handed it to any group.”

Describing the allegations as a deliberate attempt to smear the Governor’s reputation, Addra said:“These calculated attempts to associate Governor Sule with land grabbing and the killings in Benue have failed in the face of verifiable facts.”

He urged those with credible information about criminal elements to report to the appropriate security agencies instead of making inflammatory public statements.

“This attitude by Gundu is a disservice to himself and the people of Benue whom he seeks to impress with his shameful outing,” he added.

Addra also highlighted Governor Sule’s proactive approach to security and peacebuilding, noting his administration’s consistent collaboration with ethnic leaders and security agencies.

“The relative peace in Nasarawa State today is due to consistent dialogue with ethnic leaders—including Tiv, Alago, and Fulani—and effective collaboration with security agencies.”

He called on citizens of both states to reject divisive narratives and work together for peace.

“We call on the good people of Benue and Nasarawa to beware of mischief makers and join hands with their Governors to resolve these issues once and for all.”

He reaffirmed Governor Sule’s commitment to lawful governance and peaceful coexistence.

“Governor Sule remains committed to building peace and unity among the people and cannot turn around to encourage or support criminal activity under any guise,” he concluded.

The statement comes amid renewed tension in Benue State following recent attacks, which have fueled cross-border blame and heightened political sensitivity in the region.