The Benue State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of contributing to the worsening insecurity in the state. The party expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, which is further exacerbated by Governor Alia’s incompetence and insensitivity.
In a press statement issued today in Makurdi, the Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Bemgba Iortyom, highlighted the governor’s alarming actions. He mentioned that during the campaigns, Governor Alia publicly confessed to having a pact with bandits, whom he referred to as “my brothers in the bush.” This confession, according to Mr Iortyom, signaled the governor’s willingness to prioritize his quest for power over the safety and security of the state.
The PDP expected Governor Alia to diffuse the time bomb of insecurity by employing a “carrot and stick” approach to disarm and rehabilitate the bandits, ensuring peace and security in Benue. However, the party laments that the governor’s actions since assuming office have shown a worrying level of incompetence and a lack of understanding of security matters. Notably, the governor has failed to appoint a Security Adviser, a position crucial to liaising with security agencies and implementing a coordinated security agenda.
Furthermore, the PDP expressed concern over the brewing tussle for the office of Security Adviser. An ex-NCO, allegedly demoted from Sergeant to Corporal in the Nigerian Army, and a retired Army Colonel are vying for the position. The ex-NCO claims entitlement to the office due to his affiliation with the governor’s clan, while the retired Colonel hails from a different clan. This chaotic situation within the governor’s administration has emboldened the bandits, leading to the abduction of high-profile individuals and an increase in criminal activities since the government came into power.
Most recently, the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Matthew Abo, was abducted from his home by armed men suspected to be the same “brothers of the governor in the bush.” They are allegedly demanding a ransom of N60 million for his release and have terrorized the commissioner’s family by subjecting him to torture and making distressing phone calls played on speaker.
The PDP empathizes with the families of the abducted commissioner and other victims of these acts of terror. The party laments the insensitivity of Governor Alia, who chose to celebrate his victory at the election tribunal with a jamboree on the day after the commissioner’s abduction, while failing to provide any assurances to the public regarding the unfortunate incident.
The PDP firmly believes that Governor Alia must prioritize the security of the state and take immediate action to address the escalating trend of kidnappings and wanton killings by Fulani herdsmen and the governor’s bandit “brothers in the bush.” The party asserts that the governor bears ultimate responsibility for every innocent life lost to these terrorists.
