•Calls on communities to organise vigilance groups for protection, urges security agencies to act
From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Former President of the Senate, David Mark, has condemned the recent attack on communities in Otukpo and Ado local government areas of Benue State, where armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen reportedly killed more than 15 people.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, affected Otobi-Akpa and Emichi in Otukpo, as well as Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area, leaving several residents dead and properties destroyed.
Expressing deep concern over the repeated violence in the area in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Paul Mumeh, yesterday, Sen. Mark described the attacks as unacceptable, saying it was time for local communities to begin organising vigilance groups to protect themselves.
“Enough is enough,” he said. “The situation in parts of Benue State today cannot be said to be ordinary or accidental. It seems to me that it is an organised and premeditated action. We can no longer stand to watch our people killed needlessly for no just cause.”
He urged security agencies to rise to the challenge by apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice, adding that it was important to differentiate between genuine residents and invaders in local communities.
While calling for calm among the affected residents, he encouraged them to cooperate with security operatives working to restore peace and stability in the area.
He also extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of those killed.