M’Belt Forum Expresses Concern Over Presidency’s Silence On Benue Killings
The Middle Belt Forum has commended President Bola Tinubu for his strong condemnation of the Bokkos massacre in Plateau State, while expressing concern over the ongoing violence in Benue State.
In a statement by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, in Kaduna on Sunday, the MBF praised the President’s directive to provide relief to survivors of the Bokkos massacre, which was carried out by armed assailants identified as Fulani militia.
“We note with appreciation the rare and unequivocal condemnation of the Bokkos massacre by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are also grateful for his directive to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate relief to survivors of the carefully coordinated attacks,” the MBF stated.
However, the Forum expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in Benue State, particularly in Tiv and Idoma communities, where reports of killings, kidnappings, and arson had become a daily occurrence.
Consequently, the MBF urged President Tinubu to issue a similar public condemnation of the Benue State attacks and order a robust pursuit of perpetrators.
The group also highlighted the need for relief materials for Internally Displaced Persons in the Tiv-Idoma axis, who are living in destitute conditions.
It stated, “we are deeply concerned by the glaring silence from the Presidency regarding the ongoing mass killings in several Tiv and Idoma communities in Benue State
“Hardly a day passes without reports of fresh attacks, arson, killings, and kidnappings targeting these communities.”
“We firmly believe that if President Bola Ahmed Tinubu were to issue a similarly strong public condemnation of these atrocities and order a robust pursuit of the perpetrators, it would inject new momentum into the fight against these agents of terror.
“IDPs in the Tiv-Idoma axis are in desperate need of relief materials, as many are now forced to live in destitution.”
The MBF also urged the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to raise his voice in defense of his people and mobilize local communities to serve as the first line of defense.
“We urge the Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to raise his voice in defense of his people. As the Chief Security Officer of the state, he must mobilize local communities to serve as the first line of defense while awaiting external intervention,” the MBF stated.
The MBF’s statement highlights the need for urgent action to address the security crisis in Benue State and provide relief to affected communities.
“We stand in unwavering solidarity with all communities in the Middle Belt afflicted by herders’ violence. We shall always be your voice,” the statement added. ENDS.
M’Belt Forum Expresses Concern Over Presidency’s Silence On Benue Killings is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
