Benue/Plateau killings: Declare perpetrators as terrorists – David Mark tells FG

Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has urged the Federal Government to formally designate those responsible for the recent spate of killings in Benue and Plateau states as terrorists.

Mark made the call in his Easter goodwill message, where he also demanded more decisive and proactive measures to combat the growing wave of violent crimes across the country, including kidnapping, banditry, and armed attacks by suspected herdsmen.

He expressed deep concern over the persistent bloodshed, particularly in the North Central states of Benue and Plateau, where dozens of lives and properties have been lost in recent weeks.

“We must be honest with ourselves, if they are not terrorists, then why are they killing innocent people? Why are they razing communities and chasing families away from their ancestral homes?” Mark queried.

The former Senate President condemned the ongoing violent activities of armed herdsmen, believed to be behind many of the attacks, stressing that such lawlessness should not only be condemned but completely outlawed.

Speaking further on the worsening security situation, Senator Mark renewed his call for an immediate ban on open grazing nationwide, advocating instead for modern ranching practices in line with international standards.

Mark, whose hometown in Otukpo, Benue South, has also suffered suspected herdsmen attacks, called for a more inclusive and coordinated national approach to tackling insecurity.

He proposed the establishment of a National Border Security Force (NBSF), fully equipped to police Nigeria’s porous borders and curb the influx of criminal elements. He noted that many of the suspected attackers exploit the country’s unsecured borders to enter from neighboring nations.

“We cannot continue to allow criminals easy passage into our country. It’s time to rethink our border security strategy. Perhaps we should begin considering border fencing, like India, Israel, the United States, and Mexico,” he suggested.

Mark said the proposed NBSF would also be tasked with counter-terrorism operations, anti-kidnapping efforts, and the fight against other violent crimes.

Justifying his position, Mark likened the current crisis to a dangerous disease requiring urgent and aggressive treatment if it is to be eradicated.

He sympathized with the governments and people of Benue and Plateau states, as well as families who have lost loved ones in the unrelenting violence.