Benue Crisis: PDP Tells Governor Alia to Name Alleged Sponsors of Killings or Face the People’s Wrath

DDM News

Political tension is deepening in Benue State as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to name those he claims are behind killings across the state.

This follows Governor Alia’s controversial appearance on Channels Television, where he accused unnamed Benue politicians in Abuja of sponsoring the deadly insecurity ravaging the state.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that the PDP has now issued a statement strongly condemning the governor’s remarks and demanding that he either provide evidence or stop the blame game.

The statement, signed by the PDP’s Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bemgba Iortyom, described Alia’s allegations as dangerous, evasive, and lacking in statesmanship.

The party insisted that the governor’s approach is politically motivated and irresponsibly diverts attention from urgent security needs.

According to the PDP, Benue is not the only state experiencing security challenges, and leaders in Plateau and Taraba have handled their crises with more responsibility.

The party argued that Alia’s constant finger-pointing at Abuja-based politicians and so-called foreign invaders is a failed attempt to mask his own administration’s shortcomings.

PDP stated that “such reckless scapegoating is deeply disheartening, dangerously divisive, and absolutely counterproductive.”

The opposition reminded the public that armed herdsmen attacks predate Governor Alia’s tenure, and were confronted head-on by previous administrations under Governors Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam.

Unlike Alia, the PDP said, former governors openly identified the threat as herdsmen terrorism and worked with federal authorities without resorting to political propaganda.

“It is sad that logic and reason are completely missing from Alia’s strategy,” the statement said.

The PDP noted that the state’s current security deterioration cannot be solved through media appearances and rhetorical misdirection.

The party warned that making unverified claims about elected officials being behind mass killings is not just irresponsible but could also spark political witch hunts and tribal tension.

“Is Benue the only state affected by these criminal attacks?” the PDP asked. “Why must Abuja politicians be scapegoated when similar crises exist in Plateau, Taraba, and Enugu?”

The statement further accused the governor of exploiting his immunity to tarnish the image of political opponents without evidence.

The PDP said if Governor Alia truly possesses information implicating politicians in Benue killings, he should present security reports to the relevant authorities.

They advised him to work with federal law enforcement rather than using television interviews to spin narratives and shift blame.

The party stressed that the battle against insecurity demands sincerity, focus, and inclusive leadership — not political drama.

They reminded Alia that, as a Reverend and public servant, he has a moral duty to lead with truth and humility, not propaganda and division.

“Benue does not need a propagandist. It needs a governor who will roll up his sleeves and lead from the front,” the PDP declared.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) recalls that Benue has been among the worst-hit states in Nigeria’s farmer-herder crisis, with countless lives lost over the years.

Mass killings, kidnappings, and land grabs have ravaged parts of the state, leaving communities traumatized and displaced.

Governor Alia, who assumed office in 2023, initially pledged to restore peace and resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs).

However, many residents have accused him of being slow to act, overly political, and indifferent to the plight of the people.

The recent controversy has only heightened concerns that political ego may be getting in the way of effective governance in the state.

Critics have warned that if unchecked, this political feud could compromise state-wide collaboration needed to tackle insecurity.

The PDP’s latest statement also called on civil society organizations, the media, and security agencies to independently verify the governor’s claims.

They urged the Federal Government to prevail upon state governors to avoid making inflammatory remarks that could endanger national unity.

Residents across Benue have expressed mixed reactions to the controversy, with some demanding accountability from all sides.

While some believe Alia may be revealing uncomfortable truths, others say he is deliberately inciting distrust for political gain.

DDM has learned that the controversy has caused division within the state’s political elite, with some insiders fearing the allegations could spark retaliatory moves.

As the governor faces mounting pressure to explain his claims, all eyes are now on the Benue State Government for clarity.

For now, the PDP insists that leadership must transcend finger-pointing and must focus on peace, justice, and real security solutions.

Benue’s citizens are watching closely,  waiting for either names or action.

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