By Paul Mumeh
French philosopher Voltaire posisted long ago that “I may not like what you say or do, but I will defend with the last pint of my blood, your right to say it”,
Immediate past governor of Benue state Samuel Ortom for eight years in the agrarian State fought like a wounded lion to defend his people from annihilation on account of persistent attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
To some extent, he succeeded in taming the marauders. That relentless battle earned Ortom the defender of Benue Valley . He set up home-Land security network, although he met brick walls from the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration that denied him approval to acquire arms and ammunitions.
He went further to enact a law banning open grazing and prescribed Ranching instead.
To the credit of Ortom, the killings and kidnappings reduced, although the challenges of caring for thousands of citizens in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps dislodged from their ancestral homes remain daunting till he ended his tenure.
However, what seamed like a decline in the violent attacks in Benue degenerated to renewed onslaught under Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia administration.
Scores of citizens were mowed down in Katsina-Ala, Ukum, Logo, Guma, Ado and Otukpo local government Areas. Rev. Alia said the attacks were not accidental but a planned and organised genocide to annihilate his people.
He alluded to the fact that the perpetrators “are not Nigerians” and asked the federal government to do the needful by checking the influx of foreigners.
While governor Alia was lamenting the Benue attacks, it was an uncomfortable tears and blood flowing freely in Plateau State over mindless killings in Bokkos and other parts of the State.
No fewer than 100 persons were murdered in cold blood in the recent attacks. A weeping governor Caleb MUFTWANG said the attacks were nothing but a premidated genocide against his people.
Governor MUFTWANG called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to do more to save his people from annihilation.
He advocated the review and strengthening of the security architecture.
No matter the level of anger in a Man’s mind, taking another one’s life cannot be a solution. There are many channels of resolving the matter.
Governor Muftwang, in a stakeholders meeting addressing the ongoing attacks in Plateau State, called on elders, religious figures, ethnic groups, and political leaders to unite in order to confront the region’s persistent security challenges.
He described the ongoing killings as nothing less than genocide being carried out by terrorists against the people of Plateau.
“This is a critical moment for us to come together and face our shared security crisis,” he said. “Now is the time to demonstrate our love for Plateau.”
He emphasized the need for unity, saying, “We must stand as one people, hand in hand, to confront the insecurity threatening our land.”
Governor Muftwang highlighted the traditionally hospitable and inclusive nature of the Plateau people, noting that their generosity has been taken for granted. “Our openness has been exploited. It is time to separate truth from falsehood and take a firm stand for peace.”
Extending an olive branch to all citizens of Plateau, he urged everyone to live in peace and harmony. “This is a time for healing the wounds of our past. Plateau must be free.”
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “We have only one Plateau and one Nigeria we can truly call our own. We must rise to defend it.”
The renewed wave of killings in Plateau and Benue States demands a united and urgent response. It is not the story of Cain and Abel, where one asks, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” In the face of violent attacks against Nigerians in Plateau, Benue, and across the nation, the answer must be a resounding yes, that we are our brother’s keeper.
Nigerians must rise above divisions and stand together against the forces of terror and hatred. Our shared humanity and collective responsibility call for solidarity, compassion, and decisive action. This is a time for unity, not blame for protection or abandonment. It is through the spirit of brotherhood, justice, and peace that we can heal our land and secure a future where every Nigerian feels safe and valued.
