The attacks, which reportedly targeted Efeyi-Ugboju, Ipom-Ugboju and neighbouring communities, left scores injured, displaced several families and heightened fears over the incursions in parts of Benue South. Similarly, the PDP governorship candidate, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, accused the Alia administration of abandoning its responsibility to protect lives and property while allegedly criminalising legitimate criticism. If the Benue state government possesses any credible evidence against Chief Aondoakaa or any other citizen, it should present such evidence to the appropriate authorities instead of engaging in media trials and political propaganda,” he said. Aondoakaa further questioned the government’s repeated claims of supporting security agencies, asking, “If those efforts have been so effective, why do attacks continue with frightening regularity? But Governor Alia, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed the criticisms, accusing opposition figures of exploiting the tragedy for political gain.