The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the recent massacre in Benue State, accusing President Bola Tinubu of showing a lack of seriousness and concern over the tragic incidents.
The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, issued a statement on Monday, holding Tinubu liable for the continued killings across the country, claiming that he has failed to demonstrate the resolve and leadership expected of a Commander-in-Chief in combating terrorism.
This comes in the wake of previous revenge attacks that claimed multiple lives.
Ologunagba alleged that the All Progressives Congress-led federal government has mostly remained unresponsive, frequently shifting responsibility while its officials issue weak press releases rather than taking prompt presidential action to safeguard Nigerians’ safety.
The statement read, “The Peoples Democratic Party in very strong terms condemns the gruesome massacre of over 200 Nigerians, including children, in Benue State, describing it as another horrifying chapter in the history of our nation under the unresponsive All Progressives Congress government.
“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 and murdering hundreds of defenceless compatriots unchallenged, while the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led APC government remains largely unconcerned.
“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.”
The PDP urged Tinubu to abandon his sluggish handling of security issues and demonstrate leadership by taking charge and fulfilling his role as Commander-in-Chief.
The statement continued, “President Tinubu should be held responsible for the killings in Nigeria, having 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.
“The obvious fact is that President Tinubu and the APC are overwhelmed and have abandoned the security and wellbeing of citizens, which are the primary purpose of government. Instead, they are focused on politics and the elusive re-election in 2027 while leaving the nation at the mercy of outlaws who have killed over 600,000 Nigerians in the last two years.
“The PDP charges President Tinubu to end his lethargic approach to security. He should show leadership as the Commander-in-Chief and lead from the front by immediately visiting the troubled communities in Benue State and taking decisive action to end the killings in the country.
The PDP applauded the security forces for their bravery and dedication to protecting the nation while expressing condolences to the families of those killed in senseless attacks in Benue State and other parts of the country.
It also urged security agencies to stay steadfast in their commitment to defending lives and property across Nigeria.
