By Iorliam Shija
According to The Authorised Biography of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia written by Maik Ortserga and Charles Iornumbe, the Governor of Benue State has maternal roots in Nyifon, a minority ethnic group indigenous to Buruku Local Government Area.
Nyifon, also known as Iordaa by their Tiv neighbours, are among the aboriginal peoples of Benue State. Like the Etulo, another pre-Tiv ethnic group in the region, the Nyifon have long histories, rich cultures, and deep ancestral claims to the land. Yet both groups have suffered decades of marginalization.
Late Sam Tabe, a respected voice on ethnic histories in Benue, noted that both Nyifon and Etulo were settled in the Benue Valley long before the arrival of the Tiv. Despite this deep-rooted presence, political and social inclusion for these minorities remains abysmally low.
It is disturbing that to date, no Nyifon son has ever been elected as a councillor in Buruku, and no Etulo person has ever been appointed a commissioner in Benue State. This is not for lack of competence both groups have produced men and women of character, intellect, and capacity. What they lack is access and political will from those in power to correct historic imbalances.
This is where history meets destiny.
Today, a man whose Nyifon blood runs through his veins sits as Governor of Benue State. Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, though Tiv by patrilineal heritage, carries Nyifon ancestry on his maternal side. More than just a symbolic link, this presents a generational opportunity for correction, recognition, and justice.
Governor Alia is known to be an independent-minded leader. Will he now act decisively to acknowledge and empower the Nyifon and Etulo people? Will his government break the decades of silence and bring these ethnic groups into the fold of meaningful political representation?
Alia must rise to this historic moment, not just as a Tiv man, but as one whose roots dig deeper into the ignored soils of Nyifon. If he fails, the silence may continue for another generation. If he acts, it could be the beginning of a long-overdue inclusion.
The people of Nyifon and Etulo are watching. Benue is watching. History is recoding.
