Benue killings: Alia, PDP, Aondoakaa trade blame

A political dispute has erupted in Benue State, Nigeria, with Governor Hyacinth Alia and opposition parties exchanging accusations over the recent surge in killings. The conflict intensified following the deaths of 15 people in Efeyi Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, on Tuesday.

“

Leadership is not by words but by decisive action, empathy and the ability to inspire confidence in times of crisis.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Michael Aondoakaa, the PDP's 2027 governorship candidate, have criticized Governor Alia's administration for alleged inaction and a failure to ensure the safety of residents. The PDP, through its Publicity Secretary Bright Antyo, lamented the governor's perceived silence amidst the ongoing violence, stating that leadership requires decisive action and empathy, qualities they claim are lacking.

“

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.

Similarly, Aondoakaa, a former Minister of Justice, accused the Alia administration of attempting to suppress criticism to avoid accountability for its security failures. He described it as shameful that the government, under whose watch communities are attacked and people killed, views criticism as a greater threat than the perpetrators of violence.

“

At a moment like this, what our people expect and deserve is responsible leadership and constructive oversight.

Governor Alia, however, has pushed back against these accusations, labeling the opposition's actions as irresponsible and politically motivated. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Alia argued that the current situation demands compassion, unity, and urgent action, not political point-scoring. He asserted that his administration is actively supporting security agencies with logistics, intelligence, and personnel motivation, and collaborates with local vigilantes to protect communities and restore peace.

“

Confirmation by security chiefs abounds to the effect that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is consistently providing tangible support to security agencies through logistical assistance, intelligence collaboration, personnel motivation and coordination with local vigilantes to protect communities and restore peace.