The Benue Democratic Ambassadors, BEDA, have raised the alarm over the taking over of more than 20 Local Government Area of Benue State by armed herdsmen.
BEDA bemoaned the growing surge of violent attacks in 20 out of the 23 Local Government Areas of the State by herdsmen.
This was contained in a press statement by the National President of the Ambassadors, Daniel Pila.
Addressing newsmen in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, Pila, lamented the worsening security situation in the State. This is as he accused the government of failing to take effective measures to protect the State and its citizens from the deadly rampage of the herdsmen.
Pila expressed particular concern over a recent attack on Aondona, the hometown of the Catholic Bishop of Makurdi Diocese, Most Reverend Wilfred Anagbe.
He noted that the assault, which claimed numerous lives, occurred just days after Bishop Anagbe spoke before the United States House of Representatives’ Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa.
According to him, during the hearing in the US, the Bishop detailed the plight of Christians in Nigeria and the escalating violence in Benue. He also urged the American government to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
BEDA which is a coalition of professionals from diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, described the attack on Aondona as especially disturbing.
The Ambassadors pointed out that Aondona lies near Raav, a location where the State Governor has proposed to establish a cattle ranch. They, therefore, emphasized the significance of the Bishop’s connection to the area.
BEDA stated, “Bishop Anagbe recently addressed the global community on the killings of Christians, particularly in Central Nigeria. A speech that has provoked threats against him.”
“We call on the Federal Government to thoroughly investigate the killings in Benue. Especially the attack on Catholic priest Reverend Father Atongo and the wider assault on the faithful.”
While criticizing Governor Hyacinth Alia for inadequate action against insecurity, BEDA appealed to all stakeholders to put aside political differences and unite in restoring peace to the State.
“Benue is effectively under siege. No part of the State is safe, including the capital, Makurdi. From Otukpo to Agatu, Gwer-West to Kwande, Makurdi to Ukum, Gwer-East to Katsina-Ala, and Guma to Logo, armed herdsmen have taken control of at least 20 of the 23 LGAs.
“Our people have nowhere safe to turn,” the statement added.
BEDA also expressed disappointment over the State Government’s handling of the security situations in the State. They accused the Governor of abandoning all initiated projects.
BEDA cited stalled road works including Ishaya Bakut, Iyorchia Ayu, and Vaatia College Roads as examples if abandoned projects. The group noted that Makurdi has become “painfully dirty.”
However, in swift response to the allegations, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, dismissed BEDA’s claims as baseless.
He stated, “Previously, people closed their businesses early out of fear due to insecurity. Today, people stay longer to conduct their commercial activities, which reflects the current security improvements in Benue State.”
The CPS added that the Governor had recently flagged off 16 urban road projects in the state capital. And has completed them, and awarded contracts for 20 more.
Kula said, “Several infrastructural projects are ongoing across the state. Teachers in Benue are motivated, and schools now provide a conducive environment for learning. Thanks to significant improvements in educational facilities.”
Recall that Benue State has being a hotbed of insecurity in recent months.