PDP Berates Benue Governor Over Insecurity, Demands Swift Action

The Benue North East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the worsening security situation in the state, describing the persistent attacks and killings by armed herders as a grave threat aimed at forcefully taking over ancestral lands.

This position was contained in a communiqué issued on Saturday after a meeting held in Lessel-Ushongo, which was read by the Zonal Vice Chairman, Hon. Abraham Waroh. The PDP slammed Governor Hyacinth Alia for what it termed his lukewarm approach to security matters, insisting that urgent and decisive measures were needed to restore peace and stability.

Waroh stated, “The party demands immediate and firm intervention from the Alia-led administration to end these attacks and safeguard the lives and properties of Benue citizens. We sympathise deeply with victims of these Fulani terrorist assaults, many of whom have lost loved ones and been displaced from their homes.”

Reaffirming its support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, enacted under former Governor Samuel Ortom, the party described it as the most effective strategy to tackle the invasion of communities by armed herders. The PDP called on the current government to fully enforce the law without compromise.

The communiqué also highlighted the governor’s unfulfilled promise to resettle internally displaced persons (IDPs) within his first 100 days in office. “Nearly two years into his tenure, the number of IDPs has tripled, and their plight remains unaddressed,” the party lamented.

Additionally, the PDP urged Governor Alia to grant full autonomy to local governments, allowing council chairmen direct access to funds from the federation account in line with the Supreme Court judgement.

The party used the occasion to distance itself from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and any coalition activities, while passing a vote of confidence on former Governor Samuel Ortom as the leader of the PDP in Benue. It equally reaffirmed its backing for the state chairman, Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji, and the entire State Working Committee.