Former Senate President, David Mark, has once again expressed deep concern over the continued and escalating killings of citizens in Benue.

This is contained in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Mumeh, in Kano on Monday.

He urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts to check the deteriorating security situation in the state.

The former Senate president described the killings as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable.

Mark emphasised that the primary responsibility of any government is the welfare and security of its citizens.

“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. Government must rise to its responsibility,” he said.

Mark urged the Federal Government to fulfil its constitutional obligation to safeguard the lives and property of all Nigerians.

He called on the state government, under the leadership of Gov. Hyacinth Alia, to intensify its efforts in ensuring the safety of the people.

Mark appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute the culprits.

He offered a message of solidarity and resilience.“This is a trying moment for our people.

“We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear,” he said.

He urged the people to remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being their brother’s keeper.( NAN) 

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has decried the wanton killings in Benue, urging the Federal and Benue State Governments to end the needless bloodletting forthwith.

The group made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, and made available to newsmen in Enugu on Monday.

According to Chukwu, Ohanaeze unreservedly condemns the horrifying massacre of over 100 people and burning of houses by gunmen, who reportedly invaded Yelwata Community in the early hours of Saturday.

“The deadly night attack, which has caused massive displacement, in addition to the loss of innocent lives and property, is seen by Ohanaeze as callous, inhuman and unacceptable.

“Human life remains sacrosanct, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or social status.

“This idea of ruthless mass bloodletting at any slightest provocation is ungodly and antithetical to national conviviality in a multi-ethnic country as ours,” Chukwu stated.

He added that Ohanaeze decried the prolonged inability of government and security agencies to stem the escalation of attacks in Benue and other parts of the country.

The statement explained that there would be dire consequences of the incessant attacks to the progress and wellbeing of the Nigerian state, if not contained.

“We, therefore, call on government and stakeholders at different levels to put in place adequate measures that would address this theatre of carnage, by finding a lasting solution to the vicious circle of violence between herders and farmers.

“Benue Government and stakeholders may, as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to convoke a national dialogue on the unending destruction of lives and property in the state,” he added. (NAN) 

 The police command in Enugu State has rescued an armed robbery suspect from irate mob and recovered a locally made pistol from him.

The command Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement on Monday in Enugu, said that the suspect (names withheld) was rescued from the mob on June 8, at about 8p.

Ndukwe said that the feat was achieved through credible intelligence by a combined team of police operatives from the Independence Layout Division, Anti-Cultism Squad, working in collaboration with members of the Neighbourhood Watch.

“A locally fabricated pistol was recovered from him, while his cohorts reportedly fled the scene.

“The suspect, who sustained severe injuries inflicted by the irate mob, is currently receiving medical treatment.

“He (allegedly) confessed to being a member of the Black Axe Confraternity, while discreet investigations are ongoing to apprehend his fleeing accomplices,” he said.

Ndukwe said that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had commended the swift and collaborative efforts of the police operatives and community members that led to the arrest and recovery.

He said that the commissioner, however, strongly cautioned against mob actions and jungle justice, adding that such acts undermined proper investigation and the delivery of justice in criminal cases. (NAN)