Former Senate President David Mark has condemned the recent attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on various communities in Benue State. The attacks, which have occurred over the past few weeks, have led to the loss of many lives and the destruction of property worth billions of naira. Mark expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in the state, especially in local government areas like Otukpo, Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum.
According to a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, in Abuja, Senator David Mark lamented the devastating impact of the attacks. He highlighted that these violent incidents have not only caused the loss of lives but also left behind a trail of destruction across various towns and villages. The attacks have disrupted daily life in these areas, leaving many residents displaced and fearful.
Mark pointed out that the violence began to escalate a few weeks ago when several people were killed in Gwer-West Local Government Area. This led to protests by angry youths in the region. The situation worsened last week when more people were killed and others kidnapped in Otukpo, one of the most affected localities. These acts of terror have caused widespread panic and distress among the residents of Benue State.
The former Senate President noted that the scale of the destruction caused by the herdsmen attacks is significant, with properties worth billions of naira destroyed. This not only affects the economic stability of the region but also exacerbates the already dire security situation in the state. Mark’s statement highlights the growing insecurity that has gripped Benue, causing severe anxiety among residents and local leaders.
Despite the dire situation, Senator Mark acknowledged that some of the perpetrators involved in these violent attacks have been apprehended by security forces. While this development offers a glimmer of hope, he stressed the importance of ensuring that all individuals, both directly and indirectly involved in the attacks, are thoroughly investigated and held accountable for their actions.
Mark called on security agencies to conduct a diligent investigation into the perpetrators and their accomplices, urging that justice be swiftly served. He emphasized the need for the full wrath of the law to be meted out to those responsible for the killings, kidnappings, and destruction of properties in the affected communities.
In his call for action, Mark reiterated the role of the Nigerian police and other law enforcement agencies in addressing the ongoing insecurity in the state. He stressed the need for greater vigilance and proactive measures to prevent such incidents from recurring, urging authorities to ramp up security operations in the region.
Senator Mark further called on the youths in the affected communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies. He urged them to report any suspicious behavior or movements to the police to help prevent future attacks. Community engagement and cooperation with security forces are seen as crucial to curbing the violence and restoring peace to the region.
However, Mark also cautioned the public against taking matters into their own hands. He specifically warned against the stereotyping of any ethnic group or the initiation of reprisal attacks, emphasizing that such actions would only escalate the violence and undermine the quest for peace and justice. His statement reflects the complex dynamics of the conflict in Benue, where ethnic tensions have often been heightened by attacks from armed groups, leading to further animosity and violence.
In his message of sympathy to those affected by the attacks, Senator Mark expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He extended his heartfelt sympathies to those who lost loved ones in the senseless violence, praying for the peaceful repose of their souls. Mark’s words of comfort are a reminder that, amidst the challenges and struggles, there is a need for healing and reconciliation in the affected communities.
The former Senate President’s call for unity and peace highlights the importance of finding lasting solutions to the violence that has plagued Benue State for years. While security forces work to address the immediate threats posed by armed herdsmen, the need for a broader, more comprehensive approach to peacebuilding remains critical. Mark’s plea for vigilance, cooperation, and understanding reflects the deep desire for long-term peace and stability in the state.
Benue State has been grappling with attacks from armed herdsmen for several years. The conflict, which has largely been centered around disputes over land and grazing rights, has resulted in the deaths of many people and the displacement of thousands of others. The herders, often accused of carrying out violent attacks on farmers and their communities, have been a source of constant tension and insecurity in the region.
The Benue State government, along with federal security agencies, has been making efforts to address the crisis. However, despite these efforts, the attacks continue to disrupt the lives of innocent citizens. The ongoing violence has led to calls from various stakeholders, including political leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society groups, for more effective measures to curb the activities of armed groups in the state.
Over the years, there have been efforts to resolve the herders-farmers conflict, including the enactment of the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing Law, which prohibits open grazing by herders. However, the law has been met with resistance from herders and their associations, further complicating the situation.
