PDP Condemns Benue Killings, Accuses President Tinubu of Indifference

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the recent wave of gruesome massacres in Benue State, accusing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of exhibiting a “lethargic approach” and “indifference” to the escalating insecurity across the country.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP held President Tinubu accountable for the ongoing killings, stating that he has failed to demonstrate the resolve and leadership expected of a Commander-in-Chief in tackling terrorism. The opposition party’s condemnation comes in the wake of fresh reprisal attacks that have claimed numerous lives in Benue communities.

“The Peoples Democratic Party in very strong terms condemns the gruesome massacre of over 200 Nigerians, including children, in Benue State, describing it as another horrifying chapter in the history of our nation under the unresponsive All Progressives Congress government,” the statement read.

The PDP expressed alarm over reports detailing how “terrorists and bandits invaded and overran communities in series of coordinated daily bloody attacks, unleashing violence, murdering hundreds of defenseless compatriots unchallenged, while the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC government remains largely unconcerned.”

Ologunagba further alleged that the assailants ravaging communities are being emboldened by President Tinubu’s perceived lack of decisive action on security. The PDP criticized the Federal Government for allegedly remaining aloof, often shifting blame, while presidential aides issue “lame press statements without corresponding urgent presidential action to guarantee the security of citizens.”

“It is traumatic to watch the gory pictures and videos of Nigerians who were murdered in cold blood in Benue State and other parts of the country while President Tinubu and the APC carry on as if all is well,” the party lamented.

The opposition party urged President Tinubu to abandon his current approach to security and demonstrate active leadership by taking charge. The PDP demanded that the President should immediately visit the troubled communities in Benue State and take decisive action to end the killings.

Despite the PDP’s condemnation, the Presidency has recently reacted to the Benue killings, with President Tinubu directing security chiefs to implement his earlier directive to bring lasting peace and security to the state. Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that intelligence chiefs, the police, and the military have arrived in Benue to direct security operations. President Tinubu also charged Governor Hyacinth Alia with convening reconciliation meetings and dialogue among warring parties to foster peace and coexistence.

However, the PDP’s strong statement underscores the growing political pressure on the federal government to address the persistent security challenges, particularly in the North-Central region of Nigeria. The party also praised the bravery and dedication of the security forces in safeguarding the nation, while extending sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in the senseless killings across the country.