•David Mark
National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former Senate President David Mark, has called for urgent and decisive action to end renewed killings in Benue and Plateau states, saying Nigerians need concrete measures rather than repeated assurances.
Mark spoke today following reports of attacks that claimed about 16 lives in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, reports Vanguard.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former Senate President said perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice.
“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,” Mark said.
He also expressed concern over the reported abduction of passengers of a fully loaded Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, urging security agencies to launch immediate search-and-rescue operations to secure their release.
Mark described the attacks as barbaric and a direct assault on human life, warning that recurring killings, kidnappings and other criminal activities in Benue pose a 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.
He urged the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups through improved intelligence gathering, surveillance of vulnerable communities and highways, and deployment of personnel to identified flashpoints.
The ADC chairman said those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted, stressing that the culture of impunity must end.
Mark also urged the federal government to treat the security situation in Benue with urgency, noting that residents had endured repeated attacks for too long.
“No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias,” he said.
He called on the Benue State government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen cooperation with security agencies by providing credible intelligence to prevent further attacks.
According to him, while security requires collective efforts, the constitutional responsibility for protecting lives and property rests with government.
Mark commiserated with families of victims, prayed for those injured and expressed hope that the abducted passengers would be rescued safely and reunited with their families.
He reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Benue State and urged Nigerians to support lawful efforts aimed at restoring peace and resisting forces promoting violence and criminality.
