The Christian Council of Nigeria has lent its voice to cries from across the world condemning the massacre of over 200 persons by armed herdsmen in Benue State over the weekend.
Their regret is the latest mass k!llings in different parts of the country, especially in Benue and Plateau States.
A press release issued by the Council on Monday lamented that this happened a few days after the Chief of Army Staff relocated to Benue state to quell the insurgency in the State.
“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 tasked the relevant government agencies responsible should do well to unravel the identity of the killers to know whether they are Nigerians or foreigners.
“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.
