Benue Governor Alia, PDP, Aondoakaa Bicker Over Renewed Insecurity

The ongoing violence in Benue State has ignited a heated exchange between Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2027 governorship hopeful, Michael Aondoakaa, SAN. This political squabble follows a tragic incident on Tuesday where 15 individuals lost their lives in Efeyi Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area.

On Wednesday, both the PDP and Aondoakaa issued separate statements, leveling accusations against Governor Alia for what they described as a failure to provide robust leadership and ensure the safety of citizens. In response, Governor Alia criticised the opposition, accusing them of exploiting the security challenges for political advantage.

Through its Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the PDP expressed deep concern over the governor’s perceived silence regarding the persistent killings across the state. The party’s statement emphasised, “Leadership is not by words but by decisive action, empathy and the ability to inspire confidence in times of crisis,” adding that Benue residents were not witnessing these essential qualities.

Similarly, Aondoakaa, a former Minister of Justice, contended that the Alia administration was criminalising dissent to avoid accountability for its inability to tackle the security crisis. His media aide, James Ian, released a statement describing the situation as "shameful that a government ‘under whose watch communities are repeatedly invaded, farmers displaced and innocent people killed now considers criticism of its woeful performance a greater threat than the criminals unleashing terror across the state.’" Aondoakaa further asserted that despite the government’s claims of addressing insecurity, attacks on Benue communities have sadly continued without abatement.

In his rebuttal, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, condemned the actions of the PDP and the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, labelling their conduct as irresponsible. He argued that the bloodshed, the sorrow of grieving families, the trauma endured by survivors, and other losses necessitate compassion, immediate intervention, and unity, rather than political grandstanding.

Kula’s statement highlighted, “At a moment like this, what our people expect and deserve is responsible leadership and constructive oversight.” Governor Alia affirmed that his administration remains committed to supporting security agencies by providing logistical assistance, facilitating intelligence sharing, motivating personnel, and collaborating with local vigilante groups. The statement concluded by noting, “Confirmation by security chiefs abounds to the effect that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is consistently providing tangible support to security agencies through logistical assistance, intelligence collaboration, personnel motivation and coordination with local vigilantes to protect communities and restore peace.”