A Nigerian group, Zone “A” Peoples’ Assembly (ZAPA), has urged Governor Hyacinth Alia to declare a state of emergency amid Benue killings. He blamed the recent attacks and killings on armed herders, and Nigerians have been reacting.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday in Makurdi, ZAPA President, Mr Fanen Mondo, disclosed that some of the armed herders are even foreign mercenaries that must be stopped before they take over the state.
He urged Governor Hyacinth to declare a state of emergency on security in Benue and personally lead the response because the wicked killings cannot be allowed to continue.
Mondo stated that the governor should also try to publicly engage the Federal Government amid the violence, stressing that any silence from those in positions of power will only lead to more violence.
“In the past few months, we have witnessed a return of brutal, coordinated attacks on our people in communities such as Chito in Ukum, Tor Donga in Katsina-Ala, Turan in Kwande, Aôndoana in Gwer West, Yelwata in Guma, Apa, and Agatu.
What links all these areas is not just blood and destruction; it is silence. Silence from those in positions of power who should act. Silence from those who should speak,” he said.
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Mondo further accused politicians in the state of failing to speak out on the issue because they prefer to politicise the crisis.
He concluded by saying that silence doesn’t mean they are neutral; it basically means they agree with the rising number of deaths and injuries.
“This silence is not neutrality; it is complicity. And the people of Benue see it for what it is.
We urge him to rise to the occasion. Benue does not need a silent governor; we need a field commander, ready to defend our ancestral land,” he added.
