The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Senator David Mark, has called on the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to end the wave of killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states, warning that continued inaction would further embolden armed groups terrorising communities.
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Mark made the call on Monday in a statement signed by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan while reacting to the reported killing of about 16 people in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected armed militias.
Mark also expressed concern over the reported hijacking of a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where gunmen allegedly abducted all the passengers and took them into the bush.
Describing the attacks as “barbaric” and “reprehensible,” the ADC National Chairman said the persistent bloodshed and rising cases of kidnapping had become a major threat to national security and social stability.
“It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that goes unanswered only emboldens the perpetrators,” he said.
Mark urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify operations against those behind the attacks, calling for improved intelligence gathering, sustained surveillance of vulnerable communities and major highways, as well as the rapid deployment of security personnel to identified flashpoints.
He also demanded immediate search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of passengers abducted from the Benue Links bus.
According to him, those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay to end what he described as a growing culture of impunity.
“No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias,” Mark stated, urging the Federal Government to treat the worsening security situation in Benue with the urgency it deserves.
The former Senate President also appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community leaders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing further attacks.
While acknowledging that security requires collective vigilance, he stressed that the constitutional responsibility for protecting lives and property rests with government.
Mark extended condolences to families of those killed and prayed for the recovery of the injured, expressing hope that the kidnapped passengers would be rescued safely.
“The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances. Those who murder innocent citizens and terrorise our communities must face the full weight of the law. Benue deserves peace. Our people deserve to live without fear,” he added.
The renewed attacks come amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-Central region, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where recurring violence linked to armed groups has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of residents and destroyed livelihoods in recent years.
Benue, often described as Nigeria’s food basket because of its vast agricultural output, has experienced repeated attacks on farming communities, while Plateau has similarly witnessed cycles of violence that have heightened calls for stronger security interventions.
The latest incidents have renewed pressure on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen measures aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, securing major highways and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
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