The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to halt the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states, warning that failure to act would further embolden criminal elements operating in the region.
Mark made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, following the reported killing of about 16 persons in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected armed militias.
The former Senate President also expressed concern over the reported abduction of passengers travelling in a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi highway after gunmen allegedly intercepted the vehicle and whisked its occupants into the bush.
Describing the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, Mark said the recurring violence and rising incidents of kidnapping pose a serious threat to national security, economic activities and social stability.
“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,” he stated.
He urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups responsible for the attacks, stressing the need for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and rapid deployment of personnel to vulnerable communities and identified flashpoints.
Mark also called for immediate search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of passengers abducted from the Benue Links bus, insisting that those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be apprehended and prosecuted.
According to him, allowing perpetrators to operate without consequences would further entrench a culture of impunity across affected communities.
“No Nigerian community should be abandoned to the mercy of armed criminals and violent militias,” he said, urging the Federal Government to address the worsening security situation in Benue and other parts of the North-Central region with greater urgency.
The ADC chairman further appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies through the provision of credible and timely intelligence.
While acknowledging that security requires collective responsibility, he maintained that the constitutional obligation to protect lives and property rests squarely on government.
Mark extended condolences to families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attacks.
He also expressed hope that the abducted passengers would be rescued unharmed.“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 and our people deserve to live without fear,” he added.
The latest attacks have renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-Central region, particularly in Benue and Plateau states, where recurring violence by armed groups has resulted in significant loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of farmlands and livelihoods.
The incidents have also intensified calls on the Federal Government and security agencies to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting vulnerable communities, securing major highways and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
