Benue PDP North East Zone Decries Insecurity, Faults Governor Alia’s Handling of Crisis

The Benue North East chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the worsening insecurity across the state, describing the continued attacks and killings of innocent residents by armed herders as an existential threat.

In a communiqué issued on Saturday after a zonal meeting held in Lessel-Ushongo, the PDP alleged that the persistent violence was part of a grand agenda to take over ancestral lands belonging to Benue communities.

Reading the communiqué, the Zonal Vice Chairman, Hon. Abraham Waroh, criticised Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration for what he called its “lackadaisical attitude” toward pressing security issues.

“The party demands urgent, decisive action from the Hyacinth Alia-led government to bring lasting peace and stability to our state,” Waroh said.

The party expressed deep sympathy for victims of the attacks, many of whom have lost loved ones or been displaced from their communities.

Reaffirming its stance, the PDP reiterated its support for the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, enacted under former Governor Samuel Ortom.

“This law remains the most effective and sustainable solution to Nigeria’s security challenges as far as the invasion of communities by Fulani terrorists is concerned,” the communiqué stated. “We call on the current government to uphold and enforce this law without compromise.”

The PDP also called out Governor Alia for failing to deliver on his promise to return internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes within his first 100 days in office.

“Two years into his tenure, the number of IDPs has tripled, and their plight remains unresolved,” Waroh said.

The party further demanded that Governor Alia grant full local government autonomy, allowing council chairmen access to funds from the federation account in line with the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“We urge the governor to allow local governments to control their resources directly, as stipulated by law,” the communiqué added.

In the statement, the PDP Zone A also distanced itself from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and any related coalition activities, passing a vote of confidence on Chief Samuel Ortom as leader of the party in the state.

The meeting concluded with a renewed endorsement of Rt. Hon. Ezekiel Adaji as state chairman and the entire State Working Committee for their dedication and leadership.