… Faults Tinubu’s attempt to minimize scale of the crisis
Calls on Benue people to Support State Police as a long term solution
Following President Tinubu’s visit to Benue over the recent massacre of about 200 innocent people including children and women and families, frontline pro -democracy group, Save Nigeria Movement (SNM) has called on the people to take responsibility for their land and look inwards by embracing the best approaches to peace and security of lives and property. Reacting to president Tinubu’s call for unity and tolerance among the people, the group in the a statement by the national coordinator, Joseph Akawe observed that the situation at hand is beyond regular calls for unity as it has now degenerated to a full blown war against the unarmed and innocent citizens of the state.
“Mr president, we appreciate your visit which conveys empathy and compassion but as you saw first hand during your visit, and I believe you have been briefed adequately, it is clear that the situation confronting the state is beyond the rethoric of living together. “As rightly noted by the chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, HRM, Prof James Ayatse, it is genocide, and I quote ” What we have on our hands is a well calculated, well planned and persistent attempt to eliminate innocent people and take over their land for both economic and religious purposes. “Mr president indeed , this blood thirsty marauding herders are bent on their expansionist agenda within the state and beyond ” This is beyond the state and Mr president knows better.
As the conversation rages on along the different lines, it is imperative to note that the people of Benue State have experienced this evil onslaught since the return of democracy with the killings peaking during the immediate past administration before your taking oath as C- in C of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Mr president, despite the decades of tolerance by the people and the seemingly relaxation of the anti open grazing law in the state, these attacks have continued without end ” Even in the face of all these concessions, the killings persist to this day, Mr president, this is beyond tolerance and unity and the responsibility falls on you to protect the citizens against any form of armed invasion and war”
The group also expressed concern over attempts to minimize the problem as a state issue advising Mr president to be decisive in offering credible assistant to the people of Benue .” These killers people justify their evil through proxies and even government officials, they have a face, their presence is felt through cold blood and mayhem. ” Mr president this is beyond tolerance, and you owe the people of Benue a constitutional duty to protect them against armed invaders by bringing the perpetrators to book and reassuring the people of their safety.
SILENCE OF NORTHERN ELDERS
“Drawing inferences from the cold silence of the northern elite, the group expressed concerns over the boldness exhibited by the sponsors and enablers of these killers which is confirmed by the cold silence and indifference to the ongoing massacre which has already gained global attention. “Again, Mr president must take seriously the global implications of these killings on the people, the country and his legacy ” The northern elite overtime has demonstrated partisan interest in entrenching the evil ideas of this armed killers and bandits masquerading as herders with the sole aim to kill and take over peoples lands ” it is sad that as we speak, the Arewa Consultative Forum, the Northern Elders Forum etc have remained passive as long as their evil interest is entrenched” But the whole world and Mr president watched how thty rose up when 11 northerners where lynched in Edo State for carrying fire arms. “This shows that the northern elite do not care about the lives of other Nigerians.
STATE POLICING
The group expressed total support for the governor’s disposition for state police urging Mr president and all relevant authorities to consider that as the viable alternative for the control of more killings which continue to stare us in the face “
SELF DEFENSE
Responding to calls for self defense, the group acknowledged the right to self defence but cautioned about it’s implementation as it poses another risk in future if not properly managed” In all of these, state policing remains the most convenient in the circumstances”
LAND FOR RANCHING
The group also advised the authorities to promote the idea of ranching in a a way that people who are already bleeding would not despair ” It is unacceptable to impose private businesses of a certain ethnic group on the people especially with regard to free land ” this suggestion sadly emboldens and reinforces the entitlement mentality of these killers over the decades”
The group finally called on the president to take full responsibility and Marshal our a comprehensive plan to rebuild, and restore living in the affected areas of the state, noting that a concrete approach by the president remains the only way to addressing the issues on ground.
CHARGE ON CITIZENS TO SUPPORT GENUINE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS
“If our people no longer have confidence in the efforts of the state and federal government, the situation confronting us would have overwhelmed us , it is imperative to come together regardless of any difference as a people to confront this challenge now and in the future” the statement concluded
News Editor