The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark
…Decries attack on Benue, Plateau
THE National chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark has condemned the kidnapping of a Benue Links bus along Otukpo-Taraku-Makurdi road and urged Security operatives to immediately active a rescue mission and bring the perpetrators to book .
Senator Mark also expressed sadness over the killings of 16 innocent people in Otukpo local Government of Benue state by herdsmen as well as killing of nine people in Plateau state describing it as barbaric and senseless .
In a statement issued by his media Aide Kola Ologbodiyon, the ADC national chairman said the renewed wave of killings in Benue and Plateau States persistent bloodshed across communities was intolerable and demanded immediate, decisive action to halt the carnage.
Expressing grave concern over the reported hijacking of a fully loaded Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where armed criminals reportedly abducted all the passengers into the bush, Mark called for immediate, coordinated search-and-rescue operations to secure the safe release of the victims.
Senator Mark said the recurring attacks, senseless killings and rising wave of kidnappings in Benue State pose a serious threat to national security, peace and social stability, warning that no nation can prosper under a climate of fear, lawlessness and impunity.
“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.”
The former President of the Senate charged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify efforts by taking the battle directly to the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. He called for enhanced intelligence gathering, sustained surveillance of vulnerable communities and major highways, and the prompt deployment of security personnel to identified flashpoints across Benue State and other affected areas.
He stressed that those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, insisting that the prevailing culture of impunity that has enabled repeated attacks must come to an end.
Senator Mark urged the Federal Government to treat the worsening security situation in Benue with the urgency it deserves, noting that the people have endured repeated attacks for far too long.
“No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias,” he said.
He also appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to deepen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing further attacks. According to him, while security is a collective responsibility, the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property rests squarely on the government.
While mourning those who lost their lives, Senator Mark extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. He also expressed hope that the abducted passengers of the Benue Links bus would be rescued unharmed and reunited with their families without delay.
“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.”
Senator Mark reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Benue State and called on all Nigerians to reject violence, support lawful efforts to restore peace, and remain united against forces seeking to divide the country through terror and criminality.
