From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
A Northern group, Arewa Think Tank (ATT), has joined forces with the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in appealing to the Federal Government to find lasting solution to the incessant banditry and killings in the state.
A statement yesterday by the Convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, said that the situation in Benue was severe, but not beyond the control of the state government. According to AAT, what the situation in Benue requires is urgent federal government’s action.
The statement came on the heels of the continuous deadly attacks by terrorists in Benue where hundreds were reportedly killed in recent times.
The group, however, kicked against any option of declaring state of emergency in the state, saying with political will, the Federal Government could end the killings without further delay.
“It is most unfortunate that this banditry and killings are happening in a State that is the food basket of our nation. A stop must be out to this ugly situation otherwise there will be unprecedented hunger and starvation, apart from several lives and property that had been lost to this irreparable incidents.
“We believe that the solution to the persistent killings in Benue State lies in increased support from the federal government, rather than the declaration of a state of emergency.This shouldn’t be an option for now.
“We also want to encourage Governor Alia that while the situation in Benue State is severe, it is not beyond the control of his government. He should ensure that all hands are on deck to rid the state of these criminal elements.
“We are saying that what the people need now is emergency help, and not state of emergency. The people need total support of the Federal Government just like the way the Federal Government sent two armoured tanks to the state to quell the situation for a better narrative.
“We advise that the governor should use all legal means to push back armed and killer herders and any other criminals in order to restore peace in the state.
“The governor’s priority for now should be concentrated on returning displaced persons to their ancestral lands by driving out the rampaging invaders whose identities appear too foreign to the people in the State.
“We are happy to hear from the governor that the number of local government areas under siege has dropped from 17 to six under his administration, which means the governor is in control of the situation”. The statement said.