Alia and Aondoakaa Clash Over Benue Killings

Following the killing of 15 individuals in Efeyi Ugboju, Otukpo Local Government Area, on Tuesday, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia and the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, engaged in a war of words. On Wednesday, the PDP, through its Publicity Secretary Bright Antyo, accused Governor Alia of ineffective leadership and failing to address the ongoing security crisis, stating that the people of Benue were not witnessing decisive action or empathy from their leader.

Aondoakaa further criticized the Alia administration for criminalizing criticism and failing to protect communities from repeated attacks. In response, Governor Alia accused the PDP and Aondoakaa of exploiting the security situation for political gain, emphasizing the need for compassion and unity rather than political point-scoring.

He asserted that his administration was actively supporting security agencies through logistics, intelligence sharing, and collaboration with local vigilantes to restore peace in the state.