PDP Blasts APC Over Benue Massacre, Says Over 200 Nigerians Killed Due to Tinubu’s “Lethargic” Leadership
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep outrage over the tragic and violent massacre of more than 200 Nigerians, including innocent children, in Benue State. The opposition party described the brutal killings as yet another horrifying episode in Nigeria’s bloody history under what it called the “unresponsive” government of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a strongly worded statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the PDP painted a grim picture of the situation, lamenting how armed terrorists and bandits reportedly stormed communities in Benue State in a series of coordinated and bloody attacks, leaving hundreds of people dead. According to the PDP, these atrocities were carried out “unchallenged” while the Tinubu-led APC administration “remains largely unconcerned.”
PDP Raises Alarm Over Nationwide Killings
The statement from the PDP comes at a time when Nigerians across the country are mourning the lives lost to violent attacks in central and northern regions of the country. It also coincides with a growing wave of criticism directed at the APC government for what many see as its failure to address worsening insecurity.
“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,” Ologunagba said.
He continued:
“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 blamed the continued killings and escalating insecurity across the country on President Tinubu’s lack of urgent and deliberate action, insisting that he must bear full responsibility as Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief.
“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.”
According to the opposition party, rather than taking swift and strategic action, President Tinubu has mostly remained “aloof” and only issues “lame press statements” through his media aides. These statements, they say, have not been backed up by any real presidential initiatives or military strategies to protect Nigerians and crush the insurgents.
“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.”
PDP Accuses Tinubu and APC of Focusing on 2027 While Nigerians Die
The PDP further claimed that the level of insecurity now witnessed in Nigeria—especially in the North Central region—is an indication that the Tinubu government is overwhelmed and has lost control.
The party stated that instead of focusing on its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property, the APC and President Tinubu are more concerned with “politics and elusive re-election in 2027.”
“The heightened insecurity in Nigeria shows that President Tinubu and the APC are overwhelmed and have abandoned the security and well-being of citizens, which are the primary purpose of government. Instead, they are focused on politics and elusive re-election in 2027 while leaving the nation at the mercy of outlaws who have k!lled over 600,000 Nigerians in the last two years.”
While this figure—600,000—may be subject to debate, the concern over the rising number of deaths caused by banditry, terrorism, and herdsmen attacks in various parts of Nigeria is very real, and the public frustration is palpable.
PDP Calls for Immediate Presidential Action
In the face of this national tragedy, the PDP is now calling on President Tinubu to “end his lethargic approach to security” and demonstrate genuine leadership by visiting the attacked communities in Benue State. The party says it is time for Tinubu to lead “from the front” and show that he takes his role as Commander-in-Chief seriously.
“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.”
This is not the first time the opposition has demanded that the President personally visit crisis zones. Many Nigerians have also echoed the same demand, especially following the growing pattern of high-profile attacks in Zamfara, Niger, Kaduna, Plateau, and now Benue.
PDP Praises Security Forces, But Questions Leadership
Despite their criticism of President Tinubu, the PDP extended praise and commendation to Nigeria’s security forces, including the military, police, and other law enforcement agencies, for their bravery and sacrifice in the face of enormous challenges.
“The PDP however commends our security forces for their gallantry and sacrifices to secure our nation especially under an incompetent Commander-in-Chief.”
This particular line drew attention on social media, as many observers noted the party’s attempt to balance criticism of the government with support for the armed forces.
Condolences to Victims and Appeal for Vigilance
The statement concluded with heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the Benue massacre and other violent incidents across the country. The PDP expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives and urged all security agencies not to relent in their efforts to restore peace and security.
“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.”
A Nation in Mourning and a Government Under Fire
The massacre in Benue State is one more devastating incident in a country already reeling from years of insecurity. From the persistent Boko Haram insurgency in the North East, to the rampaging bandits and herders in the North Central, to kidnappings in the South, Nigerians are increasingly living in fear. Many believe the government’s inability to act swiftly and decisively is encouraging these attacks to continue.
What Nigerians Are Saying
Across social media platforms, Nigerians are demanding more than just condolences—they want action. Hashtags like #BenueMassacre, #SecureNigeriaNow, and #TinubuDoSomething are trending, as citizens express anger, sadness, and desperation.
The PDP’s statement reflects the growing public demand for real accountability, not just press releases. Nigerians want a government that not only acknowledges the pain of its people but also takes bold steps to protect them.