PDP to Tinubu: Act like commander-in-chief, stop Benue killings

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has asked President Bola Tinubu to end the killings in Benue state immediately.

The north-central state has experienced renewed attacks by gunmen, with reports of killings occurring almost weekly.

On June 14, over 100 people were killed in attacks by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of the state.

The death toll from the killings reportedly climbed to 200 on Sunday, triggering nationwide outrage.

In a statement issued on Monday, Debo Ologunagba, PDP spokesperson, alleged that Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are “overwhelmed and have abandoned” the security of citizens.

The PDP spokesperson said the president and the APC are “focused on politics” and their 2027 re-election bid while leaving the country at the mercy of outlaws, who have allegedly killed over 600,000 Nigerians in the past two years.

“The PDP is alarmed by reports of how terrorists and bandits invaded and overran communities in a series of coordinated daily bloody attacks, unleashing violence, murdering hundreds of defenceless compatriots unchallenged, while the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC government remains largely unconcerned,” the statement reads.

“It is clear that the assailants marauding communities in various states of our country are being emboldened by President Tinubu’s lethargic approach to security as well as the alleged complicity of the APC, which has failed to decisively confront the situation given its reported connection with terrorist interests.

“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.”

Ologunagba said President Tinubu should be held responsible for the killings, noting that he “has not demonstrated the will and commitment expected of a commander-in-chief in the fight against terrorism in our country”.

“Instead, he has remained largely aloof and resorted to passing the buck with his aides, issuing lame press statements without corresponding urgent presidential action to guarantee the security of citizens,” Ologunagba said.

The PDP spokesperson asked security agencies not to relent in protecting lives and properties.