The All Progressives Congress (APC), Benue State Chapter has condemned the wave of killings and destruction in Tyuluv, Saror, and Mbawar communities in Ukum, Une in Katsina-ala, Gondozua in Logo Local Government Areas, as well as the brutal murder of over 17 individuals in Akpa-Otobi Community, Otukpo Local Government Area by Fulani herdsmen.
In a statement issued Friday, the Publicity secretary of the party, Daniel Ihomon said “these attacks, reportedly carried out by armed Fulani herdsmen, are part of a disturbing and well-coordinated campaign of violence targeting our people.
” What is unfolding in our state is nothing short of a calculated genocide—an evil agenda aimed at displacing our people and taking over our ancestral lands.
“We mourn the lives lost and the communities devastated by these heinous acts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those who have been displaced.
“We repeat our earlier calls on the Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to take immediate and decisive action to halt these atrocities. The security situation in Benue has deteriorated beyond what can be ignored or downplayed.
“As a matter of urgency, we demand the following:
“Immediate comprehensive overhaul of the Governor’s current security architecture for failing in the most sacred responsibility of safeguarding lives and property.
“Convening of an emergency stakeholders’ security summit involving Members of the National Assembly, State Assembly, Federal Government appointees, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, and youth organizations to forge a concrete road map to peace.
” Implementation of a comprehensive plan for the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their ancestral homes with adequate security guarantees.
“Active and sincere engagement of the Benue State Traditional Council with the aim of devising communal base responses. Our traditional leaders must rise in defense of our heritage and people.
“Benue cannot and must not be allowed to fall to the hands of enemies who seek to erase our identity and dominate our land. We must come together, irrespective of political or ethnic affiliations, to protect our people and preserve the future of our state.
“The APC Benue State Chapter stands with the people and will continue to speak out until peace and justice are restored” he said
