The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has accused President Bola Tinubu of displaying unseriousness in responding to the violence and killings which have plagued Benue State.
The PDP, in a statement on Monday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, said the killing of over 200 Nigerians in Benue State by criminals stands condemned.
It alleged that the bandits are having a field day attacking and killing innocent citizens while the government of President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) stand aloof and watch the criminals unleash violence against defenceless citizens.
The party added that the bandits are getting emboldened by the lethargic approach of the Tinubu government to issues of insecurity in the country.
“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 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 (APC) government.
“The PDP is alarmed by reports of how terrorists and bandits invaded and overran communities in series of coordinated daily bloody attacks, unleashing violence, murdering hundreds of defenseless 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 statement read.
The PDP accused President Tinubu of not living up to his responsibility as the Commander-in-Chief.
The statement added that Tinubu and the APC are incapable of solving the challenges of insecurity in Nigeria as already demonstrated by their lethargic approach to the challenges.
The main opposition party, however, commended the security forces for their efforts at tackling the menace of insecurity in the country.
“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 illusive 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 take decisive action to end the killings in the country.
“The PDP however commends our security forces for their gallantry and sacrifices to secure our nation especially under an incompetent Commander-in-Chief.
“Our Party deeply commiserates with the families of the victims of the senseless killings in Benue State and other parts of our country and urges our security agencies not to relent in their effort to ensure the security of lives and property in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.