Benue, Plateau killings: Time for decisive action, not assurances — David Mark

Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has demanded urgent and decisive action to halt the escalating violence in Nigeria's Benue and Plateau states. Speaking on Monday, Mark stated that Nigerians require concrete measures rather than repeated assurances, following reports of attacks that claimed approximately 16 lives in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

"The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances," Mark said in a statement issued by his media aide. He stressed that perpetrators of violence must be brought to justice and face the full weight of the law. The former Senate President also expressed deep concern over the reported abduction of passengers from a Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, urging security agencies to launch immediate search-and-rescue operations.

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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.

Describing the attacks as barbaric and a direct assault on human life, Mark warned that the recurring killings and kidnappings pose a significant threat to national security and social stability. He called on the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups through improved intelligence gathering, surveillance, and deployment to identified flashpoints. The ADC chairman insisted that the culture of impunity must end, and those responsible must be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

Mark urged the Federal Government to treat the security situation in Benue with urgency, noting the prolonged suffering of residents. He also called for strengthened cooperation between security agencies and local stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth organizations, emphasizing that while security is a collective effort, the constitutional responsibility lies with the government. He extended condolences to the victims' families and prayed for the safe rescue of the abducted passengers.

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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.