In light of the escalating insecurity in the state, the Benue State Government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have engaged in a heated exchange of words.
The PDP, through its publicity secretary in the state, Bemgba Iortyom, accused the state Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, of maintaining silence in the face of the rising insecurity due to the activities of terrorists. Iortyom alleged that this silence amounted to aiding and abetting crime.
Iortyom stated, “Over 24 hours after reports emerged that suspected Fulani herdsmen laid siege to the Makurdi-Naka Road and killed scores of travellers, Governor Alia is yet to react to the incident.
This pattern of the governor’s response to such incidents in the state has been consistent since he assumed office.
His media team suggests that his approach to tackling insecurity will be devoid of what they term the ‘propaganda’ employed by the immediate past Governor Samuel Ortom.”
The party expressed deep concern about how the governor intended to eradicate terrorists without publicly condemning their crimes.
Iortyom recalled how the former Governor, Samuel Ortom, consistently brought public attention to the scourge of herdsmen killings and destruction in the state.
In response, the Security Adviser to the Governor, Joseph Har, criticised the opposition party for disseminating falsehood through images attached to the Benue Links attack.
Har, in a statement released to the press in Makurdi on Sunday, clarified that despite the governor being away at the time of the incident, he directed Har to promptly visit the Benue Links headquarters to offer condolences to the management and gather details of the incident.
Har stated, “The general manager of Benue Links, Mr Faanafa, confirmed the incident but refuted Mr Bemgba’s claims as false and malicious against the honest and transparent government of HE Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia.”
He acknowledged that one person was killed during the attack, while others sustained injuries, and some were unaccounted for at the time of the visit.
The security adviser further mentioned his visit to the scene of the incident and the paramount ruler of Naka, Chief Daniel Abomtse, as per the governor’s directive, providing him with firsthand information on the issue.
Har advised the opposition to engage in constructive criticism and reiterated Governor Alia’s determination to deal decisively with criminals in the state.
“The Governor, represented by the Security Adviser, Joseph Har, assured of the governor’s commitment to eradicating criminality and warned perpetrators not to interpret the government’s pursuit of peace as a sign of weakness.
This government possesses the capacity to deal ruthlessly with criminals.”
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