Benue Killings: Christian Council of Nigeria demands 6-month suspension of political campaigns

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The Christian Council of Nigeria has joined the chorus of conscience-raising individuals from around the globe in denouncing the weekend massacre of more than 200 people in Benue State by armed herdsmen. This is the most recent in a string of murders that have occurred throughout the nation, particularly in Benue and Plateau States.

This occurred just days after the Chief of Army Staff moved to Benue state to put an end to the insurgency there, the Council said in a news release on Monday.

“It is very disturbing to note that most of these atrocities take place in the shadow of security check points/posts. It is very disheartening that the government has always issued statements condemning these acts and giving assurances that do not go beyond political correctness”, said the statement signed by President of the Council, His Grace, the Most Rev. Dr. David Onuoha.

“While we commiserate with the bereaved families and pray for the eternal repose of the souls of the victims, we believe that it is time for the government to come up with actionable time bound plans to end this national embarrassment.

“Fulfilling its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens is the best way to convince citizens that government has their interest and welfare at heart.

“We are worried that ever since this spate of killings which has also not spared the loves of our gallant secury personnel escalated, no arrests nor convictions have been recorded further heightening fears as to the purpose or intentions of the papetrators and their accomplices”, he stated.

He instructed the respective government agencies to identify the murderers and determine if they were foreigners or Nigerians.

“Why should communities be sacked and a new set of people occupy their land without relevant authorities asking necessary questions? Assuming that foreigners are involved, why is government not seeing this as undermining the sovereignty of this country?”, he queried.

“We call on the government to immediately declare a state of emergency on insecurity in Benue, Plateau and indeed every other state in Nigeria. A ban should be placed on campaigns for 2027 elections for at least the next six months during which every attention is focused on securing Nigeria and halting the wanton destruction of lives and property in the land.

“Elections are for the living and not the dead. It can not be overstated that peace is the best dividend of democracy any responsible government can give to the people.

“It is time to stop the flow of blood in Nigeria as the land has had enough. May God be pleased to usher in the flow of river of joy and gladness in our country so that the people will have a new song on their lips”, Rev. Onuoha added.

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