PDP, others call for State of Emergency in Benue

By, Sola Hundogan

Peoples Democratic Party and the Coalition of United Political Parties are calling on President Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue state.

The opposition parties are sitting the outrage over the killings in the state as valid reason for state of emergency declaration.

The parties are also referring to a resolution on Tuesday by the State House of Assembly.

The house asserted that Governor Hyacinth Alia, his deputy Sam Ode, and all the 32 lawmakers had let the people down.

Not declaring according to the African Democratic Party and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, would mean that Mr President is prioritising politics over people’s lives…They are urging him to urgently reform the nation’s security system to protect citizens.

Responding to the call for state of emergency declaration presidency on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information and Strategy, disclosed that the President was scheduled to meet with key stakeholders in Benue State today.

“The President’s visit aims to assess firsthand the recurring crisis that has claimed numerous lives and caused significant destruction,” Onanuga stated.

During his stay, Tinubu will meet with all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political, religious, community leaders, and youth groups, to seek lasting solutions to the hostilities.

“In preparation for the visit, President Tinubu has already dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, heads of intelligence agencies, the National Security Adviser, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Defence Committees to Benue State.

“The President is expected to hold a town hall meeting with all stakeholders during the visit,” the statement read

In a similar vein, a growing number of Nigerians on social media are demanding that the Federal Government declare a state of emergency in Benue State following the killing of a reported number of 200 people in a two-day rampage by suspected herders.

Many users are comparing the silence over the Benue massacre to the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the declaration of a state of emergency in March 2025.

Nigerians have described the Rivers situation as a heavy-handed response to a political crisis that has claimed no lives.