A fresh political row has erupted in Benue State following the killing of at least 22 people in coordinated attacks on communities in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), its governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, and Governor Hyacinth Alia trading blame over the worsening security situation.

The attacks, which reportedly targeted Efeyi-Ugboju, Ipom-Ugboju and neighbouring communities, also left several people injured, displaced many families and heightened fears over persistent attacks in parts of Benue South.

In a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo, the PDP condemned the attacks, describing them as “gruesome,” and expressed condolences to the families of the victims while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.

The opposition party blamed the Alia administration for what it described as the deteriorating security situation in the state, saying the latest killings were “another painful reminder of the worsening insecurity that has turned the state into a killing field under the watch of the current administration.”

The PDP also criticised Governor Alia for what it called his silence over the attacks, insisting that leadership requires decisive action, empathy and the ability to inspire public confidence during periods of crisis.

“It is unacceptable that communities are repeatedly attacked while government’s responses remain reactive, weak and largely ineffective. Condemnation after every massacre has become a routine exercise, yet the killers continue to operate with alarming boldness,” the party stated.

The party reminded the governor that the Constitution places the security and welfare of citizens as the primary responsibility of government. It urged the state government and security agencies to deploy more personnel to the affected communities, strengthen intelligence gathering, arrest the perpetrators and ensure they are prosecuted.

Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, accused the Alia administration of failing in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property while allegedly criminalising legitimate criticism.

In a statement issued by his Media Assistant, James Ian, Aondoakaa described it as unfortunate that a government “under whose watch communities are repeatedly invaded, farmers displaced and innocent people killed now considers criticism of its woeful performance a greater threat than the criminals unleashing terror across the state.”

He maintained that his comments on the security situation were made in exercise of his constitutional right to demand accountability from a government entrusted with protecting the lives and property of citizens.

“The attempt to portray legitimate criticism as sponsorship of violence is not only irresponsible but dangerously reckless. If the Benue State Government possesses any credible evidence against Chief Aondoakaa or any other citizen, it should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities instead of engaging in media trials and political propaganda,” he said.

Aondoakaa also questioned the government’s repeated claims of supporting security agencies.

“If those efforts have been so effective, why do attacks continue with frightening regularity? Why are communities still being overrun? Why are thousands of Benue people unable to return safely to their ancestral homes?” he asked.

Responding, Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed the criticisms and accused opposition figures of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.

The governor described attempts to politicise the killings as irresponsible, stressing that the suffering of victims and their families should unite political leaders rather than divide them.

“The blood of the people being spilled, the grief of bereaved families, the trauma of survivors and the many other losses require compassion, urgent action and unity, not sarcastic profiteering,” the statement read.

Alia maintained that his administration had continued to support security agencies through logistics, intelligence sharing, personnel motivation and collaboration with local vigilante groups, adding that those efforts had been acknowledged by security chiefs.

He also urged security agencies to investigate allegations that some political actors might be sponsoring violence for political advantage.

“Anyone found to be inciting, funding or otherwise enabling attacks on innocent people to score heartless political points must be held fully accountable under the law,” the governor said.

Alia further called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and residents to place the safety of the people above partisan interests, stressing that “now, more than ever, is the time for solidarity, facts and action, not opportunism.”