By Seyi Babalola
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has condemned the unrelenting violence and bloodshed in Benue State, describing the situation as “a deep wound to the soul of our nation.”
In a statement on Monday, Akume decried the most recent spate of killings, which have once again left communities devastated and families shattered.
“The continued bloodletting and mindless killings across Benue State are both disheartening and utterly condemnable,” Akume said.
“This latest reprehensible act — one among too many — is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation.”
The SGF was quick to stress that the violence is not isolated to Benue State alone, pointing to similar security challenges in Plateau and Zamfara States. He rejected narratives that frame the killings along religious lines, insisting that they are rooted in economic causes.
“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara States also suffer the same fate,” he noted. “These killings are economic deterministic, not religious driven.”
Mourning the victims, Akume paid tribute to the innocent men, women, and children who have lost their lives, describing them as “brothers and sisters, bound together by a shared humanity and a common destiny.”
“The innocent lives lost… will not be forgotten. We mourn them not as strangers, but as brothers and sisters,” he said solemnly.
Beyond mourning, Akume issued an urgent call for unity among Benue’s people and leaders, urging them to work collectively toward achieving lasting peace and stability in the region.
“I call on all sons and daughters of Benue, our leaders, traditional institutions, and key stakeholders to come together now — urgently — to forge a path toward lasting peace and security,” he urged. “We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future.”
The SGF also expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift intervention and decisive action in deploying additional security forces and authorizing a full-scale operation to dismantle the violent networks in the state.
“I express profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Akume said.
“It is to be noted also, that the federal government has rendered assistance through NEMA, while more troops have been deployed to Benue State to handle the explosive situation.”
As a native of Benue and a former governor of the state, Akume pledged his personal commitment to rallying support and coordinating efforts for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution.
“As a son of the soil and a key stakeholder, I will not relent in consulting, mobilizing, and coordinating all necessary efforts to find and implement a durable solution,” he assured.
Appealing to the moral conscience of all Nigerians, Akume emphasized the sanctity of human life and called on every citizen, regardless of religious or ethnic background, to embrace peace and brotherhood.
“As believers — Christians, Muslims, traditionalists — we believe in the sanctity of human lives,” he said.
“Any single life lost offends the sensibility of God Almighty. All of us must live as brothers and sisters in peace and harmony.”
Offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and communities affected, Akume reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to justice and security.
“I extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families and the resilient people of Benue,” he said.
“In this dark hour, we stand with you. And we will not rest until justice speaks — loudly, clearly, and without delay.”
Senator Akume concluded his statement with a prayerful note, hoping for the restoration of peace in Benue and other troubled regions.
“May the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace, and may peace return to the land of Benue,” he declared.