FG, stop these killings in Benue

The repeated killings in Benue, orchestrated by herdsmen, have been a source of worry for every right-thinking person. It is very sad that things have gotten to this point and it is also shocking that it appears that nothing can be done to stop this wanton disregard for human life.

For a while now, many lives, particularly in Benue State and in some states in the South-East have been lost with properties worth millions of naira destroyed. Many children have become orphans; many women have lost their husbands while entire families have been wiped out of existence. The Federal Government under Muhammadu Buhari must rise to the occasion and stop this madness.

Just yesterday, President Buhari assured the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, of the depth of his willingness to safeguard lives and properties in the state. According to him, “I just met with the governor of Benue State. I assured governor Ortom of our total commitment to the security of lives and property in Benue and elsewhere. We have deployed additional security resources to fish out the attackers, bring them to justice and prevent further attacks.”

Be that as it may, the assurances by the President are in themselves not enough. The Federal Government must not only condemn these actions by these marauding herdsmen but should ensure that the carnage must stop. The Federal Government and other levels of government must ensure that all hands are on deck. The life of every Nigerian is precious. We must work extremely hard to guarantee the wellbeing of every citizen. Unfortunately, we have a penchant for politicizing every issue even when lives are at stake. Local governments and other various levels of government must work with local settlements to ensure safety.

The life of the farmer is precious so also the life of the herdsmen. The Federal Government must find lasting solutions to the menace.  In January alone, the number of lives lost is disturbing. The Federal Government should look at other climes and see how grazing of animals is handled without the recourse to violence or the loss of lives and property. We must copy and emulate right. We should also make sure that we formulate policies that would ensure food security and help stop the repeated clashes between herders and agrarian communities. The safety of every life should be prioritised. All levels of government must see to it that this is accomplished but the Federal Government should lead the way.

Samuel Ntak, Makurdi