The United Towns Agency (UTA) for North South Cooperation, Nigeria chapter, a United Nations accredited non-governmental organisation with UN ECOSOC consultative status, has asked the federal government to take proactive measures to stop the wanton killing of innocent citizens in the country.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the UTA Country President, Amb Abigail Amalaha, condemned the destruction of life and property in Plateau and Benue state, in North Central part of Nigeria.
The UTA said that the incessant killings of innocent citizens is inhuman, heinous and senseless.
Amb Amalaha said that it is unacceptable for innocent and law abiding citizens of Nigeria to be mercilessly killed in their ancestral homes by criminal herders or bandits.
The UTA urged the federal government to rise up to the occasion and protect Nigerians whereever they are in the country.
The group said that in line with section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), the security of life and property is the primary responsibility of the government.
“The gruesome killing of harmless citizens and destruction of their property in Plateau, Benue states and other areas in the northern part of the country, constitute a violation of fundamental rights and the right to life,” UTA Nigeria said.
Amb Amalaha stated that the re-occurrence of violence and killings are indications of the pervasive insecurity and brutality in the land, adding that: “The malicious disregard for human lives and dignity is condemnable and must not be allowed to continue.”
It urged the federal government to do everything within its powers to ensure that the country is safe.
The country president emphasised the need for immediate deployment of security personnel to flashpoints across Plateau and Benue states as well as other parts of the country to protect life and property.
“The government, as a matter of necessity, should not only apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators of this heinous crime, but should also make provision for adequate compensation of victims and affected communities who have suffered unimaginable loss of both human and material resources. Both the states and federal government should show enough commitment and empathy towards finding a permanent solution to the crisis, “the UTA said.
Amb Amalaha also called on the global community to not only speak out against the killings in Nigeria, “which is tilting towards genocide, but also to hold the federal government accountable as well as support the victims with relief materials.”