The Benue State Government has said the continuous, cynical, and shameful weaponization of the recent armed herders’ attacks on innocent communities in Benue State by some opposition elements, especially the candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Michael Kaase Aondoakaa, for narrow partisan political gain has become a source of serious worry and concern.
The government, in a statement issued Wednesday and signed by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hyacinth Alia, condemns in the strongest terms, the act, describing it as irresponsible.
According to the statement, “The blood of our 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.
“It is both shameful and a clear demonstration of heartlessness for individuals like Michael Aondoakaa and his followers to seize upon human suffering to score cheap political points and level unfounded accusations aimed primarily at fanning the embers of discord when solidarity and calm are most urgently needed.
“At a moment like this, what our people expect and deserve is responsible leadership and constructive oversight.
“Confirmation by security chiefs abounds to the effect that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s administration is consistently providing tangible support to security agencies through logistical assistance, intelligence collaboration, personnel motivation, and coordination with local vigilantes to protect communities and restore peace.
“Every responsible citizen who genuinely cares for the people knows these efforts deserve recognition and measured scrutiny based on facts, not opportunistic blame designed to advance election year agendas.
“We are sincerely alarmed by a recurring pattern in which some political actors, especially those in the opposition led by Michael Aondoakaa and Herman Hembe, who for years offered neither public empathy nor substantial solutions when the violence first escalated, suddenly appear at the forefront of every crisis with political statements and accusations.
“It is, rather, a betrayal of our civic decency and national conscience for these groups to continue exploiting the suffering of children, women, elders, and ordinary families for partisan headlines.
“As a matter of fact, if, as some have insinuated, there are actors sponsoring violence to create political advantage, we strongly urge the relevant security agencies to thoroughly investigate such allegations, including any claims involving Michael Kaase Aondoakaa of the PDP and Herman Hembe of the Labour Party.”
The statement therefore demands that the relevant independent security authorities investigate these allegations swiftly and transparently saying, “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.
“We call on all political leaders of good conscience, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, faith leaders, the media, and citizens to reject this cynical politicization and put the welfare and safety of the people of Benue above partisan interests.
“Now, more than ever, is the time for solidarity, facts, and action, not opportunism.
“The government of Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia stands with the victims and survivors and remains committed to working for truth, justice, and lasting peace in Benue State.”
