.as death toll sparks fresh political row
By Peter Duru, Makurdi
The gruesome killing of at least about 22 persons in coordinated attacks on communities in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, has triggered a fresh political row in Benue state, with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, and Governor Hyacinth Alia exchanging sharp words over the worsening security situation.
The attacks, which reportedly targeted Efeyi-Ugboju, Ipom-Ugboju and neighbouring communities, left scores injured, displaced several families and heightened fears over the incursions in parts of Benue South.
In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the PDP condemned what it described as the “gruesome attacks” and expressed condolences to the bereaved families, while praying for the speedy recovery of those injured.
The party, however, blamed the state government’s handling of security, describing the latest killings as “another painful reminder of the worsening insecurity that has turned the state into a killing field under the watch of the current administration.”
The opposition also criticised Governor Alia for what it termed his silence over the attacks, insisting that leadership demands “decisive action, empathy and the ability to inspire confidence in times of crisis.
“It is unacceptable that communities are repeatedly attacked while government’s responses remain reactive, weak and largely ineffective. Condemnation after every massacre has become a routine exercise, yet the killers continue to operate with alarming boldness,” the party stated.
The PDP reminded the governor that “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria places security and welfare of the people as the primary responsibility of government,” urging the state government and security agencies to deploy more personnel to the affected communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, arrest those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are prosecuted.
Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, accused the Alia administration of abandoning its responsibility to protect lives and property while allegedly criminalising legitimate criticism.
In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa said it was regrettable that a government “under whose watch communities are repeatedly invaded, farmers displaced and innocent people killed now considers criticism of its woeful performance a greater threat than the criminals unleashing terror across the state.”
He maintained that his comments on the security situation were in exercise of his constitutional right to demand accountability from a government entrusted with the safety of the people.
“The attempt to portray legitimate criticism as sponsorship of violence is not only irresponsible but dangerously reckless. If the Benue state government possesses any credible evidence against Chief Aondoakaa or any other citizen, it should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities instead of engaging in media trials and political propaganda,” he said.
Aondoakaa further questioned the government’s repeated claims of supporting security agencies, asking, “If those efforts have been so effective, why do attacks continue with frightening regularity? Why are communities still being overrun? Why are thousands of Benue people unable to return safely to their ancestral homes?”
But Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed the criticisms, accusing opposition figures of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
The Governor described as “irresponsible” attempts to politicise the killings, insisting that the suffering of victims and their families should unite, rather than divide, political leaders.
“The blood of the people being spilled, the grief of bereaved families, the trauma of survivors and the many other losses require compassion, urgent action and unity, not sarcastic profiteering,” the statement said.
Alia insisted that his administration had continued to support security agencies through logistics, intelligence sharing, personnel motivation and collaboration with local vigilantes, adding that such efforts had been acknowledged by security chiefs.
He further urged security agencies to investigate allegations that some political actors could be sponsoring violence for political advantage, saying, “Anyone found to be inciting, funding or otherwise enabling attacks on innocent people to score heartless political points must be held fully accountable under the law.”
The governor called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups and residents to put the safety of the people above partisan interests, stressing that “now, more than ever, is the time for solidarity, facts and action, not opportunism.”
The post PDP, Aondoakaa, Alia trade blame over insecurity in Benue appeared first on Vanguard News.