Benue insecurity: Alia should fight killers, not Abba Moro

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has declared its support for the Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, following criticism from the Benue State Government over his comments on the worsening security situation in the state.

In a statement issued on Monday by the party’s State Publicity Secretary, Bright Yima Antyo, the PDP described Moro’s intervention on the floor of the Senate as courageous and patriotic, insisting that he deserved commendation rather than condemnation.

The opposition party accused the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia of focusing on attacking Senator Moro instead of addressing the security challenges confronting the state.

According to the PDP, Benue has continued to witness recurring attacks, mass killings, kidnappings, displacement of communities and destruction of livelihoods, contrary to claims by the state government that the state enjoyed six months of peace before the recent wave of violence.

The party described the government’s position as misleading, arguing that communities across Guma, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Apa, Agatu, Otukpo, Kwande, Logo, Gwer West and Gwer East have continued to experience attacks by suspected armed herders and other criminal elements.

The PDP said Moro has consistently used his position in the Senate to draw national attention to the plight of Benue people through motions and engagements with relevant federal authorities, urging immediate intervention to restore peace in affected communities.

“It is important to remind Governor Alia and his aides that the primary responsibility of any government is the security and welfare of the people. This constitutional obligation cannot be outsourced to political opponents, nor can it be discharged through media attacks and public relations exercises,” the statement read.

The party also challenged the state government to explain why killings have persisted across the state, why thousands of residents remain displaced, and what tangible results have been achieved with the state’s security votes.

It urged the governor to stop treating criticism as a political attack and instead concentrate on protecting the lives and property of Benue people.

“The security situation in the state has gone beyond partisan politics. It is a matter of life and death for thousands of families whose communities remain under constant threat,” the PDP said.

The party reaffirmed its support for Senator Moro, stating that Benue needs leadership, accountability and concrete action to address the worsening insecurity.