Benue, Plateau Killings: David Mark Demands Decisive Action Against Criminals

By Our Reporter

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the continued bloodshed across communities as unacceptable and calling for immediate and decisive action to end the violence.

Reacting to reports of the killing of about 16 persons in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom, Plateau State, by suspected armed militias, the former President of the Senate described the attacks as barbaric, reprehensible and a direct assault on the sanctity of human life.
Senator Mark also expressed concern over the reported hijacking of a fully loaded Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where armed criminals allegedly abducted all the passengers into the bush. He called for immediate and coordinated search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the victims.
He warned that the recurring attacks, senseless killings and rising cases of kidnapping in Benue State pose a serious threat to national security, peace and social stability, stressing that no nation can thrive under an atmosphere of fear, lawlessness and impunity.
According to him, it is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be killed in their communities while others are abducted on highways, noting that the primary responsibility of government is the protection of lives and property. He added that every life lost is one too many and every unanswered attack only emboldens criminals.
Senator Mark urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify operations by taking the fight directly to the perpetrators. He called for improved intelligence gathering, sustained surveillance of vulnerable communities and major highways, as well as the prompt deployment of security personnel to identified flashpoints in Benue and other affected areas.
He insisted that those behind the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, stressing that the culture of impunity that has encouraged repeated attacks must come to an end.
The ADC National Chairman also appealed to the Federal Government to address the worsening security situation in Benue with urgency, saying the people have suffered repeated attacks for far too long. He maintained that no Nigerian community should be left at the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias.
Senator Mark further called on the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing further attacks. While noting that security is a collective responsibility, he emphasised that the constitutional duty of protecting lives and property rests squarely on government.
He extended his condolences to the families of those killed, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and expressed hope that the abducted passengers of the Benue Links bus would be rescued safely and reunited with their families.
Senator Mark reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Benue State and urged Nigerians to reject violence, support lawful efforts to restore peace, and remain united against forces seeking to divide the country through terror and criminality.