By Cross Udo and Nathaniel Zacchaeus, Abuja
The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has condemned the recent massacre of about 200 innocent lives in Benue state, warning that the nonsense must stop.
CCN lamented that most of the killings take place in the shadow of security checkpoints/posts.
A statement issued by CCN President, His Grace, Most Rev David Onuoha, called on the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Benue, Plateau and every other state in Nigeria.
The statement partly read, “We join people of conscience from all over the world to condemn and lament the massacre of more than 200 innocent lives in Benue state over the weekend.
“This is the most recent in the orgy of killings going on in different parts of the country, especially in Benue and Plateau States.
“What is very intriguing is the fact that this recent attack happened a few days after the Chief of Army Staff relocated to Benue state to quell the insurgency there. It is disconcerting to note that most of these atrocities take place in the shadow of security checkpoints/posts.
“It is very disheartening that the government has always issued statements condemning these acts and giving assurances that do not go beyond political correctness.”
While commiserating with the bereaved families and praying for the eternal repose of the souls of the victims, CCN said it believed that it was time for the government to come up with actionable, time-bound plans to end “this national embarrassment.”
“Fulfilling its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens is the best way to convince citizens that the government has their interest and welfare at heart.
“We are worried that ever since this spate of killings, which has also not spared the lives of our gallant security personnel, escalated, no arrests nor convictions have been recorded, further heightening fears as to the purpose or intentions of the perpetrators and their accomplices.
“Certainly, these merchants of death are not ghosts nor spirits, but the failure of our security agents to arrest any of them leaves more questions than answers.
“Government agencies responsible should do well to unravel the identity of these killers to know whether they are Nigerians or foreigners.
“Why should communities be sacked and a new set of people occupy their land without relevant authorities asking necessary questions?
“Assuming that foreigners are involved, why is the government not seeing this as undermining the sovereignty of this country?
On the statement of emergency, Onuoha said, “We call on the government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Benue, Plateau, and indeed every other state in Nigeria.
“A ban should be placed on campaigns for 2027 elections for at least the next six months, during which every attention is focused on securing Nigeria and halting the wanton destruction of lives and property in the land. Elections are for the living and not the dead.
“It cannot be overstated that peace is the best dividend of democracy any responsible government can give to the people.
“It is time to stop the flow of blood in Nigeria as the land has had enough. May God be pleased to usher in the flow of the river of joy and gladness in our country so that the people will have a new song on their lips.”
*Senators to accompany Tinubu to Benue today
The Senate leadership will accompany President Bola Tinubu to Benue State today (Wednesday) to commiserate with the people of Yelewata over the mass murder of their relatives by some bandits recently.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists on the activities of the upper chamber in the last two years.
He said beyond paying condolence visits, whenever there are major attacks, the Senate had perfected strategies to end mass killings across the country.
He said, “About the tragic incident in Benue: it was miserable. We sympathise with the victims and families affected.
“The Senate, in collaboration with the executive, will visit Benue tomorrow (today, Wednesday) with a delegation of Senators to commiserate with the Yelewata people.
“More importantly, we are organising a national security summit, not just for the military, but for CSOs, media, women, youth, and other critical stakeholders, because enough is enough. We cannot continue to travel from Plateau to Benue, paying condolence visits.
“We are tired of mourning. The time has come to act. Security is local, and locals must be part of the solution. With Mr President’s support, the Senate and the House have appropriated adequate funds to support the military and security agencies.
“Together with traditional rulers and communities, we must put a stop to this bloodshed. Tomorrow (today’s) visit to Benue will signal that the government is serious, both the legislature and executive.
“When we hold the national security summit, we hope to uncover hidden problems and find lasting solutions to the killings of innocent Nigerians, not just in Benue or Plateau, but across the country.”
