The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to disclose the identities of politicians he claims are behind the persistent killings in the state.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the Benue PDP chapter criticized Governor Alia for what it described as a pattern of blame-shifting over the state’s worsening security crisis.
The opposition party was reacting to Alia’s recent comments during a Channels Television interview, where he accused certain Benue political office holders based in Abuja of orchestrating the violence.
Signed by PDP Publicity Secretary Tim Nyor, the statement described the governor’s claims as a form of political escapism that dangerously distracts from practical solutions to the insecurity ravaging the state.
“Benue’s security challenges are not unique. Neighboring states like Plateau and Taraba face similar threats, yet their leaders have responded with responsibility, acknowledging the realities and taking action,” the party noted.
The PDP accused Governor Alia of engaging in a cycle of blame, alternating between Abuja politicians, foreign invaders, and other scapegoats, rather than tackling the root causes of the crisis.
“Are the attacks in Plateau, Enugu, and Taraba caused by Abuja politicians too? Or is Benue being used for a political witch-hunt?” the party asked.
The PDP acknowledged that herdsmen attacks in Benue predate Alia’s tenure, referencing previous administrations under Samuel Ortom and Gabriel Suswam, who, according to the party, addressed the issue head-on without resorting to propaganda.
The party further expressed concern over what it described as the lack of logic and seriousness in the Alia administration’s response to the crisis, insisting that the governor’s rhetoric is “marred by distractions, false accusations, and propaganda.”
“To insinuate or claim that Abuja representatives are behind herdsmen terrorism is reckless and a dangerous misdiagnosis,” the PDP said, adding that such claims could undermine legitimate efforts to restore peace in the region.
While recognizing that Governor Alia enjoys immunity from prosecution, the PDP reminded him that those he accuses do not share the same protection.
“If the governor is truly convinced of his claims, he should submit detailed security intelligence to the appropriate authorities instead of making baseless public accusations,” the statement read.
The PDP urged the governor to abandon the politics of blame and instead focus on concrete, inclusive, and actionable security measures.
“True leadership in these critical times demands honesty, accountability, and a unifying vision—qualities expected of a leader who also holds the moral responsibility of a Reverend,” the party concluded.
