The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has commiserated with the government and people of Ukum Local Goverment Area of the state over the killing and destruction of properties during a violent protest on Wednesday.

The party also called on the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, to change his tactics in dealing with security issues in the state.

The party publicity secretary in the state, Bemgba Iortyom gave the advice in a statement issued and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Thursday.

The party condoled family of those who lost loved ones and sympathised with those whose properties were destroyed in the attack, just as it condemned the actions of mobs taking laws into their hands.

According to the statement, “PDP further regrets to know that the events in Zaki Biam in the last couple of days spotlight the degree of insecurity in the state in a manner as should necessitate a change of approach from Governor Hyacinth Alia in his handling of security in the state.

“Reports from the area indicate that for the better part of yesterday, angry mobs went on rampage through Zaki Biam unchallenged ransacking and burning down properties, both public and private.

“The incident is reported to have started as a protest by locals in the town against the latest killings, but with events eventually getting out of hand as mobs of angry youths hijacked the protest and set about ransacking and burning down properties including the Local Government Council Secretariat, the Chairman’s Lodge, a public commodities warehouse, private businesses and residences including those of the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon Paul Biam.

“It is a major source of worry that local accounts have publicly lamented the lack of a security response rapid enough to have quelled the situation and brought it under control, thereby mitigating the extent of destruction visited on properties in Zaki Biam.”

The party called on the governor to listen to the voice of the masses and urged him to quickly put on his priority list a rapid response ingredient to the handling of insecurity in the state.

The party suggested that the governor should improve the logistics and communication capabilities of security agencies in the state to initiate a disarmament and resettlement initiative for bandits in the Sankera area, through the use of a carrot-and-stick approach towards arresting the situation.

It also urged the governor to act with due divisiveness and sincerity of purpose to mobilize Benue people, irrespective of political, religious and sundry differences, towards rooting out insecurity from Benue communities to usher in the peace and security needed for the building of a truly prosperous Benue State.

The statement further read in parts, “Furthermore, at a broader level, Governor Alia should take deliberate and sincere steps towards the de-escalation and bridging of political tensions and divides in the state, this being against the reality that security is a communal responsibility which requires all hands to be on deck to manage and maintain it.

“To be able to achieve the security of lives and properties in Benue State, the governor must take the lead visibly in championing the ideal that all segments of the society under his watch must work together in the understanding that security must be placed above partisan and self-seeking considerations.”