Politicians fueling killings in Benue State – Group raises alarm 

Activists under the aegis of the Coalition for Civil Society in Nigeria have called on security agencies to take immediate action against serial killers terrorizing Benue State and other parts of the country.

The group accused politicians of fueling the violence for political gain.

The coalition, led by its convener, Comrade Igwe Ude-Umanta, in a statement on Sunday, expressed deep concern over the continued bloodshed in the state and the alleged involvement of some political figures in instigating the unrest.

In their statement, the activists condemned the growing trend of violence in Benue State, where several innocent lives have been lost in recent weeks.

They expressed frustration over the fact that those elected to serve the people have, in many cases, become the indirect perpetrators of these killings, all in a bid to manipulate political outcomes.

“It is worrisome that people who are elected to serve the people are the ones also killing them indirectly, just to score political points,” the statement said.

“What will the people gain if they continue to lose their loved ones because you want a state of emergency declared in your own state? These rascals must be stopped. Do they think that Nigerians would fold their arms and watch these few elements pull down the country?”

The group further accused certain politicians of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration by secretly sponsoring the violence in Benue.

“Mr. President has achieved so much in the areas of security, and he should be supported by all well-meaning Nigerians to do more,” the statement continued. “However, we understand that if the security agencies conduct a thorough investigation into the killings in Benue, many politicians would be implicated.”

The activists also raised alarms about plans by some disgruntled figures from Benue State to mobilize over 20,000 people for a protest in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in an effort to further destabilize the country.

“We urge the security agencies to immediately investigate and charge anyone found involved with treasonable felony, no matter how highly placed they are, before it is too late.

“Mr. President, your enemies are within you, but you shall overcome all animosity.”

The activists called for urgent action to prevent further unrest, urging the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies to take immediate steps to deflate the powers backing civil unrest in Benue, even if those involved are top government officials.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately deflate the powers in Abuja backing civil unrest in Benue State, even if they are top government officials in the Renewed Hope Administration,” the statement added.