Herdsmen: Benue community moves to report Nigerian govt to Pope

The Mutual Union of Tiv in the United Kingdom (MUTUK) has met with Nigerians in diaspora regarding the continued herdsmen massacres in Nigeria. According to MUTUK President, Mr. Kuram Gwakyaa, the meeting became necessary following the recent killings of the two priests and 17 worshippers at St Ignatius Quasi Parish, Ukpor, Mbalom in Gwer West local government council of Benue state.

In a statement by the secretary Salome Biam, the group said “it has submitted a petition to the United Nations Human Rights Commission regarding the systematic ethnic cleansing as well as meet with the foreign and commonwealth office to discuss the available facts and urge the British government to intervene by urgently treating this relentless and inhuman rampage of violence as the Nigerian security forces seem to have been compromised. We would equally send a delegation to meet with the Pope to highlight the problems and humanitarian needs of the displaced populations, particularly women, children and the aged.”

It would be recalled that the MUTUK had earlier in February met with governor Samuel Ortom after the January 1 genocide to condemn the attacks but not much change has been achieved so far. The group further explained that it is working with other international charities to cater for needs of the over 80,000 internally displaced persons registered in Benue State.

“These persons have been neglected by the government and the living conditions at these IDP camps are appalling. We are also working with leaders of the Anglican and Catholic churches as well as Islamic scholars worldwide to lend their voice against these barbaric killings orchestrated by these alleged herdsmen terrorists,” they explained further.