Nigerian singer Terry G has publicly criticized Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for downplaying claims of Christian genocide in the state.
Governor Alia, a Catholic priest turned politician, told a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) forum in Abuja that while Benue faces serious insecurity, the violence doesn’t meet international standards for “genocide.”
He acknowledged the attacks and displacement but rejected claims they are religiously motivated.
His comments caused immediate backlash online.
In a viral video, Terry G, a Benue native, expressed shock and anger, accusing the governor of ignoring the reality on ground.
“Una go just dey cap rubbish. Reverend, for that matter, why una too dey lie? Why can’t you guys admit, for once, and apply correction?
There is nothing like Christian genocide in Benue, so that means you are not hearing all the news that is going on. What kind of governor is that one now?” he said.
The singer added a pointed caption to the video: “We refuse to be quieted. The Christian community in Benue is under attack, no amount of denial can hide that reality.”
The controversy comes as international attention on alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria intensifies. High-profile figures, including rapper Nicki Minaj, have recently spoken about the crisis at major events.
