The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has advised Governor Hyacinth Alia to change how he deals with security problems in the state.
The PDP shared their advice in a message from their publicity secretary, Bemgba Iortyom. He also expressed his sympathy to the government and people of Ukum Local Government Area after recent killings.
This message came after a violent protest in Ayati village. Local bandits killed people, and angry protesters destroyed both personal and government properties.
In response, the governor put a 24-hour curfew in the affected area.
While comforting those who lost loved ones and those whose properties were destroyed, the PDP criticized anyone taking the law into their own hands.
“The PDP is upset to see that recent events in Zaki Biam show how bad the security situation is. This means Governor Hyacinth Alia needs a new way to handle security in the state.
“Reports say that angry mobs went wild in Zaki Biam yesterday. They destroyed both personal and public properties without any challenge.
“The trouble started as a protest by locals against recent killings, but it got out of hand. Angry youths took over the protest and began destroying properties. They damaged the Local Government Council Secretariat, the Chairman’s Lodge, a public warehouse, private businesses, homes, and even the house of the governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon Paul Biam.
“It’s troubling that local people have said there was no quick security response to control the situation. This allowed for more destruction in Zaki Biam,” the message said.
The PDP asked Governor Alia to listen to the people and act quickly to improve security in the state.
The party suggested better logistics and communication tools for security agencies. They advised starting a program to disarm bandits in the Sankera area and using both rewards and punishments to solve the problem.
The PDP also asked the governor to be honest and unite the people of Benue, no matter their political, religious, or other differences, to fight the security problem together.