Benue must not be abandoned to armed criminals, David Mark

Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, has implored the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action against the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states. He warned that continued inaction would embolden armed groups currently terrorizing communities.

Mark's call follows reports of approximately 16 deaths in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine in Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, attributed to suspected armed militias. He also expressed grave concern over the hijacking of a Benue Links commercial bus, where gunmen reportedly abducted all passengers along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road.

Describing the attacks as "barbaric" and "reprehensible," Mark highlighted the persistent bloodshed and rising kidnappings as significant threats to national security and social stability. "It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways," he stated, emphasizing that the government's primary duty is the protection of lives and property. He stressed that unanswered attacks only embolden perpetrators.

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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 ADC National Chairman urged the Armed Forces, police, and intelligence agencies to intensify operations, improve intelligence gathering, and enhance surveillance of vulnerable areas and highways. He also demanded immediate search-and-rescue efforts for the abducted bus passengers and called for the swift identification, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible to curb a growing culture of impunity.

"No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias," Mark asserted, urging the Federal Government to address the worsening security situation in Benue with the utmost urgency. He also appealed to state and local leaders, traditional rulers, and religious figures to collaborate with security agencies by providing timely intelligence.

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No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias.