Bring killers of Benue people to book, CSO tells Tinubu

By Abiodun OBA

Mere condemnation of incessant provocative attacks of agrarian communities by bandits and killer herdsmen without any concrete action against the perpetrators by the Presidency is no longer acceptable.

The Coalition of Nigerian Youth Leaders, CONYL, pointed out in a strong-worded statement by its President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem.

The group, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to quickly fish out, and prosecute, the attackers of Benue communities.

The umbrella body of youth groups in the country, has said that the incessant raids are responsible for the scarcity of food in the country.

CONYL which was reacting to the recent attack on Wandor, Mbaikyor communities in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State which claimed no fewer than 15 lives including a retired Army officer from the community, described the attack as barbaric.

The invaders razed over 50 houses, huts, farmlands and food barns in 11 settlements during the attack.

CONYL demanded action against the perpetrators to regain public confidence.

“These farmlands and foods were all destroyed by these terrorists at a time Nigerians are dyeing of hunger, hardship and starvation.

“This gross act of wickedness must not be swept under the carpet. The culprits must be brought to book immediately.

“The hunger and hardship that is ravaging our nation today is as a result of the series of attack on the food basket of the nation and those behind the attacks left to go Scott free. This is gross injustice.

“No nation can survive if she fails the protect her food bank against invaders and terrorists. Food remains the backbone of any nation and without food no nation can survive.”

CONYL solicited the support of Nigerians for the people of Benue against their attackers.

“We urge all Nigerians of good conscience and all lovers of democracy to rally round the good people of Benue State to ensure there are not swiped out by these terrorists who wants Nigerians to die of hunger and starvation.”

It also called for decisive military action against the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

“We, therefore, call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately release all the military arsenals against the terrorists who are hell-bent on seeing Nigerians die of hunger, hardship and starvation.

“The truth remains that the attacks on Benue state is a well calculated attempt to ensure that Nigerians go to bed hungry which will make them revolt against the federal government and President Tinubu should not allow the orchestrated wicked evil plot to go come to fruition.

“The President must act now to stop these enemies of our nation.”