Benue Killings: PDP Tells Alia to Focus on Facts, Not Propaganda

Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, has been charged by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for playing a blame game over the state’s murders.
In an interview with Channels Television, Alia allegedly charged that prominent politicians in Abuja and the National Assembly were behind the killings, harboring, and feeding those who were responsible for the state’s crisis.
The Benue chapter of the PDP responded on Saturday with a statement signed by Tim Nyor, its publicity secretary, characterizing the governor’s accusations as an attempt at political escapism that is not only reckless but also dangerously diverts attention from the urgent and significant steps that must be taken to address the crisis.

Without engaging in careless blame-shifting, the PDP claimed that past administrations acknowledged the threat and referred to it as “attacks by armed herdsmen.”
According to the opposition party, the Alia administration’s attitude to insecurity appears to lack rationale and logic, which is concerning.

Alia was challenged by the PDP to stop using flimsy propaganda and instead submit thorough security reports to the appropriate authorities for appropriate action.

The governor may have immunity from prosecution, but he should be reminded that the Abuja politicians he attacks do not have the same privilege, the party stated.

“It is crucial to remember that Benue’s security issues are not unique to Nigeria,” the statement says. Although the risks faced by neighboring states like Plateau and Taraba are comparable, their administrations have demonstrated a more responsible stance by recognizing the security realities and acting to mitigate them.

Rather than addressing the underlying reasons of insecurity, Governor Alia has instead concentrated on shifting blame, alternating between blaming foreign invaders, Abuja politicians, and other scapegoats.

We have to ask: Are Abuja representatives the only ones responsible for the attacks in Plateau, Enugu, Taraba, or elsewhere? Or is a political witch-hunt unfairly targeting Benue?

In actuality, herdsmen assaults in Benue occurred before Governor Alia’s administration, as they did under Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.

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“The governor’s speech is tainted by digressions, unfounded charges, and propaganda rather than tackling the core problems.

“Benue’s security concerns must not be disregarded or given up for political reasons.

It is not only careless but also a risky misinterpretation of the issue to imply or explicitly assert that representatives of Abuja are funding herdsmen terrorism.

Instead of using unfounded propaganda, he ought to submit thorough security reports to the right authorities for appropriate action if he truly believes what he is saying.

Governor Alia is urged by the PDP to put an end to the blame-game and concentrate on responsible, inclusive, and tangible security measures. Sincere leadership in this crucial period necessitates integrity, accountability, and a sense of unity—qualities essential for a leader who also carries the moral burden of a Reverend.