By Issa Lucky Itopa
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, GCON, has strongly condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States, describing the persistent bloodshed as unacceptable and urging the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
Reacting to the reported killing of about 16 persons in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom, Plateau State, by suspected armed militias, Senator Mark described the attacks as barbaric, reprehensible and a direct assault on the sanctity of human life.
The former President of the Senate also expressed deep concern over the reported hijacking of a fully loaded Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where armed criminals allegedly abducted all the passengers into the bush.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Kola Ologbondiyan, Senator Mark called for immediate and coordinated search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe release of the abducted passengers.
He warned that the recurring attacks, senseless killings and rising incidents of kidnapping in Benue State pose a grave threat to national security, peace and social stability.
“It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that goes unanswered only emboldens the perpetrators,” he said.
Senator Mark charged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify operations by taking the fight directly to criminal elements terrorising communities.
He advocated enhanced intelligence gathering, sustained surveillance of vulnerable communities and major highways, and the prompt deployment of security personnel to identified flashpoints across Benue State and other affected areas.
According to him, those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity enabling repeated attacks must come to an end.
He urged the Federal Government to treat the worsening security situation in Benue with the urgency it deserves, stressing that the people have endured repeated attacks for far too long.
“No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias,” he stated.
Senator Mark also appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing further attacks.
While noting that security is a collective responsibility, he maintained that the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property rests squarely on the government.
The ADC National Chairman extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also expressed hope that the abducted passengers of the Benue Links bus would be rescued unharmed and reunited with their families without delay.
“The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances. Those who murder innocent citizens and terrorise our communities must face the full weight of the law. Benue deserves peace. Our people deserve to live without fear,” he declared.
Senator Mark reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Benue State and called on Nigerians to reject violence, support lawful efforts to restore peace and remain united against forces seeking to divide the country through terror and criminality.
