The All Progressive Congress Senatorial Candidate for Benue South in the 2023 general elections, Comrade Daniel Onjeh, has voiced strong condemnation of the recent surge in deadly attacks on innocent citizens in Benue State.
These attacks have left a devastating trail of death and destruction, particularly affecting rural areas.
“These senseless acts of violence,” Onjeh stated, “have claimed numerous lives and properties, especially in the rural areas.” He emphasized the need to acknowledge the complex and multifaceted nature of insecurity in Nigeria, which has plunged the nation into a continuous state of violence. As a former Chairman of the Governing Board of the Projects Development Institute in Enugu, Onjeh brings a wealth of experience and understanding to the issue.
In a statement personally signed and sent to newsmen, Onjeh elaborated, “Insecurity in Nigeria is multifaceted and multidimensional, and various factors are at play to condemn our nation to a perpetual state of wanton violence. The saddest of these factors, according to Onjeh, is political.”
Onjeh criticized certain politicians and public office-holders for neglecting their duty to serve the people, instead using violence to further their political ambitions. He pointed out that the recent increase in violence in Benue State has clear political undertones, stating, “The recent spike in violence in Benue State has some heinous political colouration.”
Despite these challenges, Onjeh urged Governor Alia to remain steadfast in his efforts to provide good governance and build a prosperous state. He praised the Governor’s resilience and determination to bring positive change to Benue State, despite resistance from those benefiting from the old corrupt regime.
Onjeh assured the people of Benue that Governor Alia is dedicated to ensuring their peace and security. He stated, “The governor is focused on development, while some politicians are focusing on 2027. This is why they are doing everything they can to destabilize and discredit his performing administration and derail him from his focus.”
Expressing condolences to those affected by the recent violence, Onjeh called on the people of Benue not to lose hope but to trust in Governor Alia’s administration. He stated, “We should bear in mind that his resolute stance and determination to better our lot has (over the last year) met stiff and severe resistance from the beneficiaries of the old corrupt order in the state.” Onjeh highlighted that these forces are against the positive changes being implemented by Governor Alia and will do anything to undermine his administration.
Onjeh proposed that Governor Alia should quickly establish a fact-finding committee to investigate the recent attacks, aiming to identify and expose the masterminds and perpetrators. “I humbly suggest that Governor Alia should expeditiously constitute a fact-finding committee to critically investigate the recent dastardly attacks in the state, to reveal all its masterminds and perpetrators. In any case, the nature of the attacks leaves much room for suspicion that it is the deliberate handiwork of the governor’s sworn detractors,” stated Onjeh.
He also urged citizens to provide useful information about criminal activities to security agencies, despite fears of retaliation. Onjeh suggested that the Benue State Commissioner of Police establish a special hotline for direct communication, ensuring the safety of informants. “Were people able to reach the CP directly,” Onjeh stated, “they will feel free to provide useful information that will help tackle insecurity in the state.”
Onjeh warned that if insecurity in Benue State is not addressed, it could be exploited by unscrupulous politicians to incite people against Governor Alia. He defended the Governor’s efforts, stating, “Fr. Alia is doing everything humanly possible to ensure that his people live in peace, security, and prosperity.”
He added that despite false claims by the Governor’s detractors, the people of Benue State have shown their support for Governor Alia, particularly during his successful statewide Thank You Tour. “A multitude of jubilant crowds trooped out to welcome him at every LGA he visited. All citizens, regardless of political affiliation, accept him and approve of his performance so far.”
To tackle the root causes of violence, Onjeh recommended the establishment of a committee to investigate the origins of conflicts in the state and to hold accountable those responsible. He reassured Governor Alia of the support and prayers of the people, believing that divine intervention will soon bring about positive changes in the state. “Certain events will soon occur in Benue State that will reveal God’s hands and move the state forward,” he said, predicting that these events will vindicate Governor Alia’s administration.
In conclusion, Onjeh called on the people of Benue State to continue supporting Governor Alia, emphasizing the need for strong leadership to drive positive change. He urged them not to be swayed by those spreading blackmail and propaganda against the Governor.