Nigerian singer and rapper Gabriel Oche Amanyi, popularly known as Terry G, has publicly criticized Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia for dismissing claims that Christians in the state are facing religious persecution.
Governor Alia, who is also a Catholic priest, recently stated during a consultative forum by the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja that, while insecurity remains a serious issue in Benue, the situation does not meet the internationally recognized definition of genocide. He emphasized that the violence and displacement in the state should not be labeled as religious extermination, a stance that sparked widespread debate online.
Terry G, a native of Benue, responded with outrage in a video that quickly circulated across social media. He questioned the governor’s remarks, calling them dishonest and dismissive of the experiences of Christians in the state.
“Una just dey talk anyhow. Reverend, of all people, why una dey lie? How una go say there’s nothing like Christian genocide in Benue? So you never hear everything wey dey happen? What kind of governor be that? Una just dey yarn rubbish,” he said, voicing his frustration.
Alongside the video, Terry G posted a message affirming that Christians in Benue are under threat and refusing to remain silent. “We refuse to be silenced. The Christian community in Benue is under attack; no amount of denial can change that,” he wrote.
The controversy unfolds amid growing global attention on attacks against Christians in Nigeria. International celebrities, including rapper Nicki Minaj, have recently highlighted the issue on major platforms, drawing worldwide awareness to the plight of communities affected by violence.
