Time to end Benue killings

Recently, I was listening to a radio programme on Wazobia FM, Abuja.

Some callers on the programme expressed disagreement concerning the killings in Benue State. That is what informed the writing of this piece.

According to some of the callers on the programme in question, Fulani herdsmen are not responsible for the ongoing killings in Benue State. They accused a notorious gang leader of perpetrating most of the killings going on in the state, most especially within the Zaki-Biam area of the state.

However, whether it is  herdsmen that are killing Benue people or  it is the gang leader, for me, is immaterial.

What is important is stopping the killings. If I should accuse or blame any person or group of persons for the killings in the state, then, the political leaders in the state are the ones I will blame because lack of good leadership is the cause of the killings and other problems we are facing in the state.

The major function of any government is to protect lives and property of the citizenry but here in Benue State and the country at large, property and lives are not protected.

The lives and property of our leaders are secure while the citizens are dying on a daily basis and have their properties destroyed by herdsmen, Boko Haram, armed robbers, kidnappers and so on.

We will not continue living in a fear. We are tired of running from our homes because of the attacks on our lives.

We are tired of bad leadership, we are tired of leaders that care only for their own safety and the safety of their families and friends. We will no longer tolerate them.

Nevertheless, as a matter of urgency, necessity and responsibility, our leaders should end these killings now. This is not an appeal; it is one of their duties and responsibilities that they must perform.

Awunah Pius

piusawunah@ymail.com