•Youths protesting killings in Benue
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP) have condemned the brutal attack on Yelewata community in Benue State on Friday which claimed several lives and left hundreds displaced.
The opposition parties in separate statements released yesterday want President Bola Tinubu to take a decisive action that will see the perpetrators of the dastardly act apprehended and prosecuted.
The parties commiserated with the families of the victims of the senseless killings in Benue State and other parts of our country and urged them not to relent in their effort to ensure the security of lives and property in Nigeria, reports Channels TV.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP accused Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of being “largely unconcerned”.
The party said, “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 added that “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 PDP charged President Tinubu to end “his lethargic approach to security,” saying “he should show leadership as the Commander-in-Chief and lead from the front by immediately visiting the troubled communities in Benue State and take decisive action to end the killings in the country.”
In her statement, the Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Nenadi Usman, said the level of bloodshed in Benue should shake every conscience in Nigeria.
“The burning of homes, the ambush of security officers, the helplessness of internally displaced persons caught in these merciless attacks, all expose the continued failure of government at all levels to fulfill the most basic responsibility: to protect lives and property,” she said.
She demanded an immediate and comprehensive deployment of security forces to every vulnerable community in Benue and across the Middle Belt.
“Urgent humanitarian intervention to provide food, shelter, medical care, and trauma support for the thousands displaced and affected, especially women and children.
“Transparent investigation and swift prosecution of all those behind these killings, no matter their background, no matter their affiliations.
“We in the Labour Party pledge to stand and will continue to advocate for policies that protect our people, empower the weak, and deliver justice to the victims.
“To the grieving families, I mourn with you as a mother. To the children left orphaned, to the women widowed, to the communities shattered, know that your pain is felt across this nation, and your cries for justice will not be ignored,” the statement added.
