PDP, Aondoakaa, Alia trade blame over insecurity in Benue

.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…