… Urges security reinforcement, community vigilance
BY CAROLINE AMEH
Former Senate President, Senator David Mark, has once again condemned the wave of violence sweeping through Benue State, following fresh attacks on Tuesday night in Otobi-Akpa and Emichi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, as well as Utonkon in Ado LGA.
The coordinated assaults, reportedly carried out by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, left at least 15 people dead and several properties destroyed.
Deeply troubled by the renewed bloodshed, Senator Mark lamented the persistent insecurity plaguing the state. He described the attacks as not just tragic but indicative of a larger, more sinister agenda, stressing, “Enough is enough.”
Calling for immediate action, he urged local communities to organise themselves into vigilante groups to defend against future incursions.
He further charged security agencies to rise to the occasion by swiftly apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring justice is served.
“The situation in parts of Benue State today cannot be described as ordinary or accidental,” he said.
“These killings appear to be systematic, deliberate, and premeditated. We cannot continue to stand idle while our people are massacred without provocation.”
Senator Mark highlighted the traditionally hospitable nature of Benue communities but insisted that the time had come to clearly differentiate between peaceful residents and hostile infiltrators.
Despite the gravity of the attacks, he urged residents to remain calm and to work closely with security forces in restoring peace and stability.
He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
