Benue PDP condemns Kwande killings, demands Alia’s resignation over worsening insecurity 

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue North East (Zone A), has strongly condemned  what it described as “the gruesome and barbaric attack” launched on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area of the state by armed herdsmen which claimed no fewer than 17 lives.

The party noted that credible reports indicated that no fewer than 17 persons were brutally killed, with several others injured and properties destroyed during the unprovoked attack, calling for immediate and decisive government action.

In a press statement signed by the PDP State Vice Chairman (Zone A), Abraham Waroh, on Wednesday, the Zone A PDP extended deepest condolences to the people of Kwande Local Government Area, particularly the families of the victims, and sympathized with those injured and displaced as a result of the heinous attack. 

“We are deeply saddened by the continued loss of innocent lives and call on the relevant security agencies to act decisively by identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators of these atrocities. 

“Regrettably, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has consistently failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property in Benue State. 

“Worse still, speaking out against insecurity has seemingly become forbidden, as the Alia administration has entrenched a culture of denial by downplaying the attacks, disputing casualty figures, and refusing to confront the grim reality facing the people”, Waroh said.

The party reminded Governor Alia that the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property, maintaining that any administration that fails in this fundamental duty has failed entirely. 

“Sadly, the failure of the Alia government in the area of security is glaring, undeniable, and evident even to the least informed observer.

“In view of this monumental failure, the PDP believes that the honourable course of action for Governor Alia is to resign, so that a competent and courageous governor who is capable of defending the people of Benue State can take charge.

“This call has become necessary as the administration persistently ignores warnings and intelligence reports of impending attacks, only to respond after scores of innocent people have been murdered, often followed by attempts to deny or diminish the scale of the tragedy”.

The PDP noted with deep concern that beyond Kwande, several other local government areas, including Ukum, Logo, Guma, Gwer West, Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo, are bleeding daily under the wave of insecurity. Yet, the Alia administration has largely remained silent, offering neither firm condemnation nor words of reassurance to traumatized communities.

“We will therefore not be surprised if, in keeping with its established pattern, the Alia administration fails to officially condole with the people of Kwande or unequivocally condemn the tragic attack on the Abande community”,  Waroh stated.