By Our Reporter
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, GCON, has again condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States, describing the persistent bloodshed across communities as intolerable and demanding immediate, decisive action to halt the carnage.
Reacting to reports of the gruesome 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.
He also expressed grave concern over the reported hijacking of a fully loaded Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where armed criminals reportedly abducted all the passengers into the bush. He called for immediate, coordinated search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe release of the victims.
Senator Mark said the recurring attacks, senseless killings and rising wave of kidnappings in Benue State pose a serious threat to national security, peace and social stability, warning that no nation can prosper under a climate of fear, lawlessness and impunity.
This was contained in a statement issued amd signed by Kola Ologbondinyan , Special Adviser, Media and Publicity.
“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.”
The former President of the Senate charged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify efforts by taking the battle directly to the perpetrators of these heinous crimes.
He called for 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.
He stressed that those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity that has enabled repeated attacks must come to an end.
Senator Mark urged the Federal Government to treat the worsening security situation in Benue with the urgency it deserves, noting 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 said.
He also appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to deepen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing further attacks.
According to him, while security is a collective responsibility, the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property rests squarely on the government.
While mourning those who lost their lives, Senator Mark extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those 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.”
Senator Mark reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Benue State and called on all Nigerians to reject violence, support lawful efforts to restore peace, and remain united against forces seeking to divide the country through terror and criminality.
