POLITICS
Benue PDP condemns Kwande Killings, Demands Alia’s Urgent Action over Worsening Insecurity
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The main opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Benue North East (Zone A), has strongly condemned what it described as “the gruesome and barbaric attack” launched on Abande settlement in Mbaikyor Ward, Turan District of Kwande Local Government Area of the state by armed herdsmen which claimed no fewer than 17 lives.
The party noted that credible reports indicated that no fewer than 17 persons were brutally killed, with several others injured and properties destroyed during the unprovoked attack, calling for immediate and decisive government action.
In a press statement signed by the PDP State Vice Chairman (Zone A), Abraham Waroh, on Wednesday, the Zone A PDP extended deepest condolences to the people of Kwande Local Government Area, particularly the families of the victims, and sympathized with those injured and displaced as a result of the heinous attack.
“We are deeply saddened by the continued loss of innocent lives and call on the relevant security agencies to act decisively by identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting the perpetrators of these atrocities.
“Regrettably, the administration of Governor Hyacinth Alia has consistently failed in its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property in Benue State.
“Worse still, speaking out against insecurity has seemingly become forbidden, as the Alia administration has entrenched a culture of denial by downplaying the attacks, disputing casualty figures, and refusing to confront the grim reality facing the people”, Waroh said.
The party reminded Governor Alia that the primary purpose of government is the protection of lives and property, maintaining that any administration that fails in this fundamental duty has failed entirely.
“Sadly, the failure of the Alia government in the area of security is glaring, undeniable, and evident even to the least informed observer.
“In view of this monumental failure, the PDP believes that the honourable course of action for Governor Alia is to resign, so that a competent and courageous governor who is capable of defending the people of Benue State can take charge.
“This call has become necessary as the administration persistently ignores warnings and intelligence reports of impending attacks, only to respond after scores of innocent people have been murdered, often followed by attempts to deny or diminish the scale of the tragedy”.
The PDP noted with deep concern that beyond Kwande, several other local government areas, including Ukum, Logo, Guma, Gwer West, Agatu, Apa, and Otukpo, are bleeding daily under the wave of insecurity. Yet, the Alia administration has largely remained silent, offering neither firm condemnation nor words of reassurance to traumatized communities.
“We will therefore not be surprised if, in keeping with its established pattern, the Alia administration fails to officially condole with the people of Kwande or unequivocally condemn the tragic attack on Abande community”, Waroh stated.
From Yagana Ali, Yola
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Adamawa State has launched a second phase of mass voter registration at the bustling Jimeta Ultra-Modern Market. The initiative aims to empower eligible citizens, particularly traders and youths, to participate in the electoral process.
INEC Chairman, Muhammed Nura, emphasized the commission’s commitment to strengthening democracy and promoting civic engagement.
“We’re here to ensure every eligible Adamawa indigene gets their voter’s card, a crucial document that allows citizens to shape their future,” he said.Residents welcomed the effort, praising INEC for bringing registration closer to the people. Ahmed Muhammad, changing his name on his card, thanked INEC staff for their efficiency. Muhammad Umar, who relocated from Borno State, appreciated the hassle-free process, saying, “The staff were friendly and got me done quickly.”
Young voters like Ummi Muhammed Bello are excited to register, eager to exercise their franchise. “I’m voting for someone who’ll secure my future,” she said.
INEC deployed 40 staff and 20 voter registration machines, working in pairs to ensure swift processing. The exercise will continue across strategic locations, targeting maximum coverage.
This drive aims to boost voter turnout and reinforce democracy in Adamawa State. Would you like more information on INEC’s voter registration efforts or the upcoming elections?
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The All Progressives Congress (APC) have registered over 383,496 members in Benue State in the e- registration exercise embarked upon by the party.
Recall that the e-registration was flagged off in Benue state on January 12th, 2026 with Governor Hyacinth Alia enrolled at his polling unit in Mbangur, Mbadede Council Ward, Vandeikya Local Government Area as 001.
The Benue State APC Organizing Secretary/Publicity Secretary, James Ornguga who announced this in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Monday, disclosed that Benue State ranked 2nd in the North Central behind Kwara state.
He also said with this figure, the State is ranked 11th out of the 36 states, stressing that the registration has been suspended at the moment.
He added that the party would resume the e – registration after the National Convention of the party slated for between March 25th 28th, 2026.
“The person in charge of the ICT at the National Secretariat of the party had a zoom meeting with all organizing secretaries across the states and told us that the exercise would be temporarily halted so as to collate the number for our national convention. After the convention, the exercise will resume.
“So far, the exercise has been impressive with a massive turn out of members. The good thing about this e-registration is that there are no manipulations. Members are registered using their BVN. There were no issues as both the SGF and the governor’s agents cooperated and all the registration was collated into one portal.
“We appeal to those yet to be registered to be patient as they will be captured as soon as they exercise resumes”.
From Dan Amasingha, Minna
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has warned that the decision of the Senate to approve dual election transmission of election results through electronic and manual means will spell doom and cause chaos for the 2027 general election.
The Former vice President stated this at the residence of former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida while speaking to journalists shortly after a closed door meeting with the elder statesman.
He explained that the decision to grant electronic transmission of election results alongside using manual means is deliberately done to orchestrate chaos in the transmission of results.
According to him, the amendment of section 60 of the electoral act by the Senate was to afford Nigerians the opportunity of real time electronic transfer of election results at different levels.
“But what we got is a mixture of manual and electronic which is going to cause chaos
“I think there is urgent need for all opposition parties to come together, so that we do not allow this issue to rest, where they want it to rest”
On his plans to contest the 2027 Presidential election, the former number two citizen of the country said, noted that the issue of contesting does not even arise as he and other ADC leaders are now busy trying to firmly build the party from the ward, Local government, State and at the national level.
“We are now busy mobilising for membership and register as many members as possible”
Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also debunked the notion that the party has a zoning policy in place, noting that it has never inserted such in its constitution.
“ADC as no zoning in ADC constitutional provision, it only PDP that has it”
Speaking on the controversy over the alleged forging of the recently gazetted tax law, the Former vice President described APC as a party of Forgets.
“What do you expect from APC, generally they are a party of Forgets and election riggers
“They forge everything, they forge certificates, they forge age declaration, they simply forge everything that is the hallmark of APC”.
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