Benue killings: Alia, PDP trade blame over insecurity

The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has sharply criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia's administration, accusing it of failing to provide adequate leadership and security for the state's residents. This criticism follows the recent killing of 15 people in Efeyi Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area.

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

The PDP, through its state publicity secretary Bright Antyo and governorship candidate Michael Aondoakaa, lamented the "deafening silence" of the Alia administration amidst incessant killings. They described the government's responses as reactive, weak, and ineffective, emphasizing that true leadership requires decisive action and empathy, not just words.

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shameful 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.

Aondoakaa further accused the governor of "criminalizing criticism" to evade responsibility for security failures. He called it "shameful" that the administration views criticism as a greater threat than the criminals terrorizing the state, arguing that the government's acclaimed efforts have not stemmed the tide of attacks on Benue communities.

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

Governor Alia, however, rebuked the PDP for what he termed the "irresponsible" politicization of the state's insecurity. His Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, stated that the situation demands compassion and unity, not "sarcastic profiteering." The statement asserted that Governor Alia's administration consistently provides tangible support to security agencies, including logistical assistance, intelligence collaboration, and personnel motivation, to protect communities and restore peace.

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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.