The Benue PDP, governorship candidate Michael Aondoakaa and Governor Hyacinth Alia have exchanged accusations over worsening insecurity following attacks that killed at least 22 people in Otukpo LGA.
MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Fresh political tensions have erupted in Benue State after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, and Governor Hyacinth Alia exchanged accusations over the worsening security situation in the state.
The political row follows coordinated attacks on communities in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area that reportedly left at least 22 people dead, several others injured and many families displaced.
The attacks, which affected Efeyi-Ugboju, Ipom-Ugboju and neighbouring communities, have renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue South.
In a statement issued by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the Benue State chapter of the PDP condemned the killings and expressed condolences to the affected families.
The opposition party, however, accused the Alia administration of failing to protect lives and property, describing the latest attacks as another indication of the state's worsening security crisis.
According to the PDP, repeated condemnations by government officials have not translated into effective action against armed groups operating in rural communities.
The party urged the government and security agencies to deploy additional personnel to vulnerable areas, improve intelligence gathering and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are prosecuted.
Chief Michael Aondoakaa, the PDP's governorship candidate, also criticised the state government, accusing it of abandoning its constitutional responsibility to guarantee the safety of residents.
In a statement released by his media aide, James Ian, Aondoakaa rejected allegations that criticism of government policies amounted to political sabotage.
He questioned the effectiveness of the administration's security interventions, asking why attacks continue despite government claims of supporting security agencies.
Aondoakaa maintained that citizens have the constitutional right to demand accountability from elected leaders.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, dismissed the opposition's claims, accusing political actors of exploiting the tragedy for political advantage.
The governor described attempts to politicise the killings as irresponsible, insisting that the focus should be on supporting victims and restoring peace to affected communities.
According to the statement, the Benue State Government has continued to support security agencies through intelligence sharing, logistics, personnel motivation and collaboration with local vigilante groups.
Governor Alia also called on security agencies to investigate allegations that some political actors may be sponsoring violence for political gain.
Anyone found to be inciting, funding or enabling attacks on innocent people to score political points must be held accountable under the law, the statement said.
The exchange of accusations highlights the growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with insecurity increasingly becoming a major point of contention between the government and opposition parties.
Benue State has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, particularly in agrarian communities, leading to deaths, displacement and fears over food security.
Analysts warn that while political debate is inevitable, stakeholders must prioritise practical solutions to the security crisis.
The latest political dispute underscores the broader challenge facing Benue State: balancing political competition with the urgent need to address insecurity.
For residents of affected communities, the immediate concerns remain safety, justice and the return to normal life.
Security agencies are expected to intensify operations in the affected communities, while political leaders continue to debate responsibility for the crisis.
Residents and civil society groups have called for greater cooperation among government officials, opposition parties and security agencies to tackle the persistent violence.
Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor developments and provide verified updates.
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