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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Benue killings: Ex-presidential aspirant urges Tinubu to end bloodshed

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A former presidential aspirant urges President Tinubu to end the wave of killings in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State.
  • The call follows recent attacks in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities where about 16 people were reportedly killed.
  • Critics argue the government lacks political will and sincerity, despite significant security budgets, to combat armed groups effectively.

Former Labour Party presidential aspirant Peter Agada has implored President Bola Tinubu to take decisive action against the escalating violence plaguing Nigeria. Agada described the nation as "a republic of bloodshed" and stressed the urgent need to restore law, peace, and order.

His appeal comes in the wake of recent killings in the Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Benue State, where gunmen reportedly claimed the lives of around 16 people. This latest incident has intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue, a region that has endured repeated violent attacks.

President Bola Tinubu’s administration must stop being a government of empty ceremonial promises of security and rise to restore Nigeria from being a republic of bloodshed, which it is now, to one of law, order, peace, opportunity and prosperity.

— Peter AgadaThe former presidential aspirant criticized the federal government's handling of insecurity.

While local residents attribute the attacks to armed herders, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has denied involvement and called for a thorough investigation. Agada criticized the Federal Government's response, stating it must move beyond "condolence visits and promises" to implement concrete actions against criminal elements.

Mr President must reinvent his administration into a digital-age security machine, one that has the cutting-edge capabilities to bring culprits to book and eradicate roving militia murderers, killer herdsmen, ransom bandits, bloodthirsty terrorists and their urban networks that aid them in any corner of Nigeria.

— Peter AgadaAgada outlined his vision for a more effective security apparatus.

"President Bola Tinubu’s administration must stop being a government of empty ceremonial promises of security and rise to restore Nigeria from being a republic of bloodshed," Agada stated. He urged the president to "reinvent his administration into a digital-age security machine" capable of apprehending culprits and eradicating various armed groups, including killer herdsmen and bandits.

Agada argued that Nigeria possesses sufficient resources, often diverted through corruption, to fund effective security measures. He believes the primary deficiency is the "political will, sincerity and transparency" of those responsible for implementing security policies. He extended condolences to the victims' families and communities, emphasizing that persistent attacks reflect a failure to protect citizens despite substantial security budgets.

Nigeria has more than enough resources to achieve this from what is connived, cornered and stolen in only a few government agencies or parastatals or from its annual budgets. What is lacking is the political will, sincerity and transparency of those implementing security policies.

— Peter AgadaAgada commented on the perceived misuse of national resources for security.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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