NGO condemns Benue massacre, calls for urgent security action

An NGO, the Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH–TACADA) has strongly condemned the recent wave of attacks and senseless killings in Benue State.

The Executive Director and Founder of the organisation, Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ezeanyaeche said that the incident had left many innocent Nigerians, including women and children, dead and communities devastated.

He described the killings as an ungodly and barbaric act of terrorism that must not be condoned under any circumstance by the Nigerian security apparatus.

He, however, expressed deep concern over the growing spate of violence targeting vulnerable populations and communities in the Middle Belt region.

“These are not mere communal clashes or random crimes. They are calculated acts of terror against innocent citizens.

“The scale, frequency, and cruelty of these attacks are horrifying. We are particularly troubled by the targeted killings of women and children. These are heinous crimes against humanity,” he said.

The NGO boss called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately identify, arrest, and prosecute all those behind what it termed a “senseless tragedy” unfolding in Benue.

Ezeanyaeche also demanded that the full weight of Nigerian law be brought to bear on the perpetrators.

He, however, made a direct appeal to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Nuhu Ribadu, urging him to deploy his extensive experience, capacity, and the full strength of the national intelligence community.

This , he said would help to fish out the culprits and dismantle any networks facilitating the attacks.

“We urge the NSA to rise to this challenge. His office must go beyond routine condemnation to strategic intelligence-led action.

“Those responsible must not only be arrested. They must be prosecuted and convicted to serve as a deterrent to others, “he said.

Ezeanyaeche also urged the Federal Government to consider empowering local communities with mechanisms for self-defence.

He tasked FG to alternatively ensure the deployment of sufficient security forces to forestall further bloodshed in affected areas.

“We cannot afford to normalise the daily massacre of Nigerians. We call on the Nigerian state to reclaim its constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property.

“The people of Benue and indeed every part of Nigeria, deserve peace, justice, and safety.

“We reaffirm our commitment to continue speaking out against all forms of violence, and to advocate for justice, peace, and human dignity across Nigeria,”he said.