A festive Tiv Day celebration in Benue State turned violent on Saturday when Terhide Uta, a senior aide to Governor Hyacinth Alia, allegedly stabbed Iorkyaa Usha, the youth leader of Mkar Ward in Gwer-West Local Government Area. The incident, which unfolded amid cultural festivities honoring the Tiv people, has sparked outrage, demands for justice, and calls for the immediate suspension of the accused aide.
Eyewitnesses reported that the confrontation erupted during the annual Tiv Day event in Mkar, a vibrant gathering that draws thousands to celebrate Tiv heritage, traditional attire, dance troupes, and communal unity. Organized under the auspices of the Mzough U Tiv (MUT), the Benue chapter of the premier Tiv socio-cultural group, the event typically fosters solidarity but this year descended into chaos around midday. Usha, a prominent community figure known for his advocacy on youth empowerment and local development in Gwer-West, was said to have been mediating a minor dispute when Uta intervened aggressively.
According to sources close to the scene, the altercation began over seating arrangements or protocol issues near the high table, escalating rapidly into a physical brawl. Uta, who serves as Special Adviser on Security to Governor Alia, reportedly drew a knife and inflicted a deep stab wound on Usha’s abdomen. The victim was rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM) teaching hospital for emergency surgery. As of Sunday evening, Usha remained in stable condition but under close medical observation, with doctors describing the injury as life-threatening.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of condemnation across Benue’s political and youth circles. Comrade Jonathan Iorundu, President of the National Association of Gwer Local Government Students (NAGLOS), decried the attack in a statement, saying: “This is barbaric and unacceptable. How can a governor’s aide, who should be a protector of the people, turn into an assailant? We demand immediate arrest and prosecution of Terhide Uta. No one is above the law.”
Iorundu further urged Governor Alia to act decisively, adding: “The governor must suspend Uta pending investigation. Benue cannot afford this culture of impunity from those in power.”
Local youth groups echoed these sentiments, mobilizing under hashtags like #JusticeForIorkyaaUsha and #SuspendTerhideUta on social media platforms. Posts highlighted Uta’s history of controversial behavior, including prior allegations of thuggery during the 2023 elections, though none have led to formal charges. The Benue State Police Command confirmed they have commenced investigations, with a spokesperson stating: “We are aware of the incident and have invited all parties for questioning. The suspect is yet to present himself, but efforts are ongoing to ensure a thorough probe.”
Governor Alia’s administration, which came to power in 2023 on promises of security and youth inclusion amid Benue’s longstanding farmer-herder conflicts, now faces a public relations crisis. Tiv Day, held annually on the second Saturday of December since 2006, symbolizes ethnic pride for the Tiv, Benue’s dominant ethnic group, and often features speeches from political leaders. This year’s violence underscores deepening tensions between state appointees and grassroots leaders, particularly in Gwer-West, a hotspot for intra-community rivalries.Civil society activists have linked the stabbing to broader governance challenges in Benue, where political aides wield significant influence over security matters. “This isn’t isolated,” said one anonymous youth organizer.
“It reflects a pattern where power intoxicates, turning public servants into threats to the very people they serve.”
As investigations proceed, residents of Mkar and surrounding areas are calling for calm while pressing for accountability. The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official statement, but pressure mounts for swift action to restore trust ahead of the holiday season.
