Violence Grips Benue State: Senator Condemns Killings and Calls for Action
A wave of violence has swept through Benue State, Nigeria, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake. The senator representing Benue North West, Titus Zam, has added his voice to the growing chorus of condemnation, strongly denouncing the "deliberate and unprovoked killings and attacks" on the people of Gwer West Local Government Area.
According to Senator Zam, travelers on the Makurdi-Naka and Naka-Agabgbe roads have become victims of suspected Fulani herders’ attacks, which have continued to wreak havoc on several communities in Gwer West. The senator’s Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Terungwa Nunde, said in a statement that Senator Zam is dismayed that despite the efforts of the National Assembly members to present motions on the floor of the Senate and House of Representatives, urging both federal and state governments to provide help to his constituents, the persistent killings remain unaddressed.
Senator Zam expressed concern over the escalating severity of the attacks recently and called for urgent action to address the situation. He believes that a bill aimed at promoting ranching and prohibiting open grazing in Nigeria, which he has presented before the National Assembly and is awaiting public hearing, is the solution to ending the cycle of violence.
The senator also called on Benue State Governor, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to take immediate action to address the issues of insecurity across the state and collaborate more closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Senator Zam stressed that the members of the National Assembly have mobilized the legislative arm to work with the Federal Government, which has committed necessary resources to the state to enable it to combat the security challenges.
Furthermore, Senator Zam urged relevant security agencies to step up their efforts to address the dire situation that has resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including children, women, and the elderly, in the local government. He expressed his deepest condolences to the entire people of Gwer West, particularly the families of those who have suffered the loss of loved ones in the ongoing attacks, and advised vigilance and effective collaboration with security operatives to restore peace in the area.
The situation in Benue State is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention from the government and relevant stakeholders. The international community must also take note of the escalating violence and offer support to the Nigerian government in its efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
