Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly condemned the recent mass killings in Benue State, urging both the Federal and Benue State Governments to act swiftly to end the bloodshed.
In a statement issued on Monday in Enugu by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, the group described the violence as inhumane and unacceptable.
Chukwu said Ohanaeze was deeply disturbed by the reported massacre of over 100 people and the burning of homes during a Saturday morning attack on Yelwata Community by suspected gunmen.
“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,” he stated.
“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 expressed concern over the failure of government and security agencies to halt the persistent violence in Benue and other regions.
He warned that continued inaction could have dire consequences for national stability and development.
“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,” he said.
He recommended that the Benue Government collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to urgently convene a national dialogue aimed at ending the destruction of lives and property in the state.
(NAN)