Former 1st Vice President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), John Aikpokpo-Martins, has strongly condemned the gruesome terrorist attack that occurred in Benue State on Thursday, June 13, 2025, which claimed the lives of over 100 civilians and five soldiers serving under Operation Whirl Stroke.
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In a statement released on Friday, Aikpokpo-Martins described the massacre as a senseless act of violence that has left emergency workers overwhelmed and displaced persons re-traumatized in what should have been a sanctuary.
“My heart goes out to the families of the victims and the survivors who have been traumatized by this senseless act of violence,” he stated. “I empathize with the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who have been affected by this attack in a supposed safe haven that has proven to be unsafe.”
The attack, which reportedly targeted vulnerable communities in Benue State, also left many women and children critically injured. Aikpokpo-Martins called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the nation’s security agencies to immediately take decisive action.
He outlined three key demands:
- A thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice;
- Increased security deployment to Benue and neighboring areas to prevent further bloodshed;
- Immediate measures to ensure the safety and welfare of IDPs and other at-risk communities.
He further urged the Federal Government to address the underlying causes of the violence through proactive and pragmatic strategies, stating that the recurring bloodshed can no longer be tolerated.
“It is no longer acceptable for the government to respond with empty statements and half-hearted measures. The people demand a change in strategy,” he said.
Aikpokpo-Martins emphasized the need for Nigeria’s leadership to act decisively and not just react rhetorically to national tragedies. He called on all Nigerians to unite in condemning the attacks and to press for lasting security reforms.
“Enough should really be enough,” he concluded.
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