The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has condemned the renewed wave of killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states, saying the blood of innocent Nigerians killed in the attacks is crying out for justice.
Mark called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to stop the violence, insisting that those behind the attacks must be arrested, prosecuted and punished according to the law.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President described the continued attacks on communities in Benue State and other parts of the country as unacceptable, stressing that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of every government.
His comments came against the backdrop of fresh attacks in Benue and Plateau states that left at least 25 people dead.
Reports indicate that 16 people were killed in separate attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, while another nine people lost their lives in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State in attacks believed to have been carried out by armed militias.
The latest incidents have heightened fears over worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where communities have repeatedly come under attacks by armed groups, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and mass displacement of residents.
Reacting to the killings, Mark said it was painful that innocent Nigerians were still being murdered in their communities despite repeated promises to improve security.
“It is not acceptable that innocent Nigerians are still being killed in their communities and that people are being taken away on our roads,” he said.
“The main job of any government is to keep people and their belongings safe.”
The ADC chairman warned that every attack carried out without consequences only emboldens criminals to continue their activities.
“Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that isn’t stopped only makes the attackers bolder,” he added.
Mark urged the Federal Government to move beyond issuing statements of sympathy and instead take practical steps to stop the killings.
According to him, the worsening security situation requires urgent intervention and sustained action from all security agencies.
He called on the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security organisations to strengthen operations against those responsible for the attacks.
He also urged security agencies to improve intelligence gathering, maintain close surveillance of vulnerable communities and major highways, and ensure rapid deployment of personnel whenever there are signs of impending attacks.
According to him, better intelligence and faster response would help prevent attacks before they occur.
Mark further appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue passengers who were recently abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus.
The Benue Links incident has generated widespread concern in the state, with residents calling for urgent action to secure the safe release of the victims and improve security on major roads.
The former Senate President said the government must not allow criminal groups to continue attacking communities and travellers without consequences.
He insisted that all those responsible for the killings and kidnappings should be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
According to him, swift prosecution of suspects would help end what he described as a growing culture of impunity, where criminals believe they can commit violent crimes without punishment.
“No Nigerian community should be left to face armed criminals and violent groups,” Mark said.
He added that the Federal Government must treat the security challenges in Benue with the seriousness they deserve.
“The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances,” he said.
“Those who murder innocent citizens and terrorise our communities must face the full wrath of the law. Benue deserves peace, and our people deserve to live without fear.”
Benue State has remained one of the states most affected by recurring violence over the years.
Communities across several local government areas have experienced repeated attacks that have claimed hundreds of lives and forced thousands of residents to flee their homes.
The violence has often been linked to disputes involving armed herders and farming communities, as well as attacks by criminal groups operating in rural areas.
Many of the affected communities have repeatedly appealed to the Federal Government for stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
Similarly, Plateau State has also witnessed recurring attacks in several local government areas, particularly Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos.
The repeated violence has continued to raise concerns among community leaders, religious organisations and civil society groups, who have called for lasting solutions to the security crisis.
In recent months, President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts against criminal groups across the country.
The military, police, DSS and other security agencies have also increased operations in several troubled states as part of efforts to restore peace.
Despite these efforts, fresh attacks continue to occur in some communities, leading to renewed calls for stronger intelligence gathering, improved coordination among security agencies and quicker responses to security threats.
The latest killings in Benue and Plateau have once again drawn national attention to the security challenges facing the North-Central region and renewed calls for urgent government action.
Residents of the affected communities continue to demand justice for those killed and stronger measures to prevent further bloodshed.
For many families who have lost loved ones, the hope remains that those responsible for the attacks will be brought to justice and that lasting peace will finally return to their communities.