.CAN, Ohanaeze Ndigbo condemn Benue killings, seek urgent FG action
Emeka Agu Jnr with agency report
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has vowed to end banditry in Nigeria.
Musa made the vow on Monday at Yelwata town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue, where scores were killed in coordinated attacks on Friday night.
The CDS said the Nigerian Armed Forces would leave no stone unturned to ensure that such devastating attacks were not recorded in the country again.
He also assured that wherever the attackers were, the forces would get them and neutralise them, adding that the Yelwata attack would be their last act.
Musa admitted that there were officers who compromised and gave out information but that such officers were no longer in service.
He said that there was evidence that the bandits had their targets, thereby establishing the fact that there were insiders that aided them.
“I’m going to see my commanders, and we have to change our strategy. We want to look inward and see how we can address this.
“We used to have even within us people that compromise and give information. Going around the scene, the way the killing and burnings were made shows that they had insiders.
“I discussed with community leaders, traditional rulers and the clergy on the need for us to work in unity.
“There have been some issues of trust, and we are going to address it,” he said.
Musa said more deployments would be made, adding that he would embark on a similar visit to Nasarawa on Tuesday.
The CDS condoled with the Benue Government, Gov. Hyacinth Alia, and all victims of banditry attacks, especially the people of Yelwata town, over their losses.
He advised them to remain strong and steadfast, as hope has already arrived.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CDS, while in Yelwata, held a closed meeting with community leaders and stakeholders.
NAN also reports that Musa inspected the scene of the crime and made a cash donation to the IDPs.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide have decried the wanton killings in Benue State, urging the Federal Government to deploy additional security forces to Benue to address recent killings of over 200 lives.
In a statement, CAN also called on the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the worst-hit areas.
The president of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Okoh expressed the association’s deep sorrow and solidarity with the bereaved families, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.
CAN also insisted on a thorough and transparent investigation, calling for the swift prosecution of all those that are responsible for the killings.
“The recent massacre which targeted several communities in Benue, left families shattered and villages in despair.
“These senseless killings have inflicted immeasurable pain, hence the need for justice and protection of the vulnerable populations.
“For years, Benue has suffered recurrent violence, often attributed to armed groups. In spite of repeated outcries, meaningful intervention has been lacking, leading to a cycle of impunity and further bloodshed.
“Justice must prevail to break the grip of impunity fueling these atrocities,” Okoh said.
He appealed to the international community for support in restoring peace and rebuilding trust among Benue’s traumatised residents.
Okoh reaffirmed the association’s unwavering commitment to defend the sanctity of life, advocating for the protection and dignity of all Nigerians.
“As an association, we pray for peace to be restored, and justice rolled down like waters,” he said.
In a related development, CAN expressed grief over the passing of Rev. Fr. Polycarp Lubo, Chairman of CAN in Plateau, who died on June 15, following a brief illness.
Okoh described Lubo as a “beacon of faith and service,” whose loss would be felt not only by the Christian community but by the entire nation.
“CAN stands in solidarity with Gov. Caleb Mutfwang, the government and people of Plateau, the Catholic Church, and the bereaved family.”
The association urged Christians and Nigerians to honour the memory of Lubo by continuing his work of peace, justice, and unity.
Also, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has decried the wanton killings in Benue, urging the Federal and Benue State Governments to end the needless bloodletting forthwith.
The group made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Monday.
According to Chukwu, Ohanaeze unreservedly condemns the horrifying massacre of over 100 people and burning of houses by gunmen, who reportedly invaded Yelwata Community in the early hours of Saturday.
“The deadly night attack, which has caused massive displacement, in addition to the loss of innocent lives and property, is seen by Ohanaeze as callous, inhuman and unacceptable.
“Human life remains sacrosanct, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or social status.
“This idea of ruthless mass bloodletting at any slightest provocation is ungodly and antithetical to national conviviality in a multi-ethnic country as ours,” Chukwu stated.
He added that Ohanaeze decried the prolonged inability of government and security agencies to stem the escalation of attacks in Benue and other parts of the country.
The statement explained that there would be dire consequences of the incessant attacks to the progress and wellbeing of the Nigerian state, if not contained.
“We, therefore, call on government and stakeholders at different levels to put in place adequate measures that would address this theatre of carnage, by finding a lasting solution to the vicious circle of violence between herders and farmers.
“Benue Government and stakeholders may, as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to convoke a national dialogue on the unending destruction of lives and property in the state,” he added.
