The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to identify the politicians he claims are responsible for the ongoing killings in the state rather than engaging in what they described as a blame game.
The opposition party's statement, issued on Saturday and signed by its Publicity Secretary, Tim Nyor, came in response to Governor Alia's recent allegations during a live interview on Channels TV, where he accused Benue political office holders in Abuja of orchestrating the insecurity in the state.
PDP Condemns Governor's Allegations
The PDP described the governor's accusations as "an attempt at political escapism" that is not only irresponsible but also dangerously distracts from the urgent measures needed to address the security crisis in Benue.
"It is important to note that Benue's security challenges are not in isolation in Nigeria. Neighbouring states such as Plateau and Taraba face similar threats, yet their governments have shown a more responsible approach by acknowledging the security realities and taking proactive steps to address them," the statement read.
The party further questioned the governor's approach: "Conversely, Governor Alia's focus has been on blame-shifting, alternating between accusing Abuja politicians, foreign invaders and other scapegoats, instead of confronting the root causes of insecurity."
Historical Context of Benue Attacks
The PDP emphasized that herdsmen attacks in Benue predate Governor Alia's administration, occurring during the tenures of former Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam as well. According to the party, previous administrations recognized and properly identified the threat as attacks by armed herdsmen without resorting to what they termed "reckless blame-shifting."
To insinuate or outrightly claim that Abuja representatives are sponsors of herdsmen terrorism is not only irresponsible but a dangerous misdiagnosis of the problem.
The opposition party warned that such assertions by the Alia administration could undermine genuine efforts to address insecurity in the state. They noted that while the governor enjoys immunity from prosecution, the Abuja politicians he accuses do not share this privilege.
Call for Concrete Security Strategies
The PDP urged Governor Alia to present comprehensive security reports to relevant authorities if he genuinely believes his claims, rather than resorting to what they described as "baseless propaganda."
"The PDP urges Governor Alia to abandon the politics of blame and focus on concrete, inclusive, and responsible security strategies. Genuine leadership at this critical time requires honesty, responsibility, and a unifying spirit: qualities that are vital for a leader who also bears the moral responsibility of a Reverend," the statement concluded.
This development comes amid escalating security concerns in Benue State, with Governor Alia recently describing the killings as terrorism rather than mere farmer-herder conflicts.
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