By Aloysius Umalo
A coalition of gubernatorial aspirants from Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State has petitioned Catholic bishops in the state, raising concerns over what they described as the use of church platforms for political intimidation and violent rhetoric allegedly linked to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
In a petition dated February 27, 2026, the group urged the Catholic bishops of Gboko, Otukpo, Makurdi and Katsina-Ala dioceses to intervene and protect the sanctity and neutrality of church spaces.
The letter was addressed to the Catholic Bishop of Gboko, Most Rev. William Amove Avenya; Catholic Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Ekwoyi Apochi; Catholic Bishop of Makurdi, Most Rev. Wilfred Chikpa Anagbe; and Catholic Bishop of Katsina-Ala, Most Rev. Isaac Bundepuun Dugu.
Signed by prominent political figures and academics including Hon. Joseph Waya, Prof. Paul Angya, Prof. Denis Ityavyar, Prof. Terhemba Shija, Rt. Hon. Dominic Ucha and Surveyor Godwin Ityoachimin, the petition alleged that the governor had repeatedly used church gatherings to make statements perceived as threats against political opponents.
The petitioners cited an incident that reportedly occurred on January 18, 2026, at All Saints Catholic Church, Tsenge, during a thanksgiving Mass organised in honour of Prof. Steve Ugba.
According to the coalition, Governor Alia addressed congregants within the church premises during the service and allegedly made remarks suggesting the use of “brute force” to achieve peace. The petition further claimed that the governor told supporters to “bite off the finger” of anyone who threatened them and warned that if he were slapped, he would “literally behead” the person responsible.
The group argued that such statements, allegedly made within the context of a liturgical gathering and close to the altar, were inconsistent with Christian teachings and violated the sanctity of worship.
They also referenced another incident said to have taken place on August 31, 2025, at St. George Catholic Church, Tyobo, Gboko Local Government Area, where the governor was alleged to have issued threats against the Ter Gboko and a former Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly.
According to the petitioners, these incidents suggest a pattern of using church services as platforms for political messaging and intimidation.
The coalition warned that the growing politicisation of church gatherings could undermine the Church’s moral authority and create an atmosphere of fear among worshippers with differing political views.
They further claimed that some congregants reportedly feel uncomfortable attending services where political speeches may occur, while others may interpret strong political rhetoric delivered in church as morally sanctioned.
The group also expressed concern that clergy could face pressure to allow political figures to address congregations, particularly given Governor Alia’s previous status as a Catholic priest before entering politics.
To address the situation, the aspirants urged the bishops to issue a pastoral letter reaffirming the sanctity and political neutrality of church spaces and clarifying that threats of violence are incompatible with Christian teachings.
They also called on the bishops to privately engage with the governor to establish clear boundaries regarding the use of church platforms and to develop guidelines that would empower clergy to decline political speeches during worship.
Other recommendations included coordinating with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to ensure a unified response among Christian denominations and providing pastoral support to worshippers who may feel threatened or marginalised.
Copies of the petition were also sent to the Apostolic Nunciature in Nigeria, the Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, the President of the NKST Synod and the Chairman of CAN in Benue State.
The coalition said its action was motivated by concern for the preservation of the church as a place of peace and unity for all believers, regardless of political affiliation.
