‘Save our people from killer herdsmen’ – Benue lawmakers cry out

Worried by the deteriorating security situation in Benue State, the State National Assembly Caucus, on Wednesday addressed a world press conference.

The federal lawmakers, through the leader of the caucus and senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro PhD, called on the federal and state governments, and security agencies to rise up and live up to their responsibilities, to halt the unprovoked attacks and secure lives and properties of Benue people.

The Lawmakers lamented the killings and displacement in Agatu, Apa, Guma, Makurdi, Gwer West, Otukpo and several other local government areas in the state and urged governments at all levels to urgently nip the menace in the bud to avert self-help by the people. They said everything should be done to guarantee safety of lives and properties, and ensure that those displaced and living in IDP camps return to their ancestral homes.

The caucus also condemned the illegal dissolution of elected councils in Benue State and installation of caretaker committees by the state government.

They said the caretaker committees lacked the political will and legitimacy to confront the biting insecurity at the grassroots. They charged the state government to put in place democratically elected councils that can adequately handle security matters at the local government level.
Those physically present for the press conference included the Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro; The senator representing Benue Northwest Senatorial District, Titus Zam; The Member representing Ado/Ogbadibo/Okpokwu Federal Constituency, Hon. Philip Agbese; Member representing Apa/Agatu Federal Constituency, Hon. Ojotu Ojema; Member representing Makurdi/Guma Federal Constituency, Dickson Tarkighir; and Member representing Gwer East/Gwer West Federal Constituency, Hon. Asema Achado. The Member representing Otukpo/Ohimini Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Blessing Onuh was also in attendance, but left to attend to some official matters.