The founder of the AterSimon Foundation, Dr Simon Ater, has condemned in strong terms what he described as “incessant killings and kidnappings across Benue communities,” saying the tragic attacks must no longer be tolerated.
Dr Ater, who spoke through Elizabeth Atime-Chirkpi, Media Director, AterSimon Foundation, was reacting to attacks on the Achakpa community in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) and the Agu Centre in Katsina-Ala LGA.
No fewer than five persons, including three police officers, were killed in the separate attacks, with the police confirming seven of its officers are still missing.
The attacks are coming a few weeks after a deadly attack on Yelewata, Guma LGA, claimed dozens of lives.
“It is heartbreaking that just a few kilometres away from Yelwata, where over 200 of our brothers and sisters were massacred, fresh blood has been spilt again in Achakpa. How much more suffering must our people endure before decisive action is taken?” Dr Ater questioned.
According to Dr Ater, “the primary responsibility of any government is to protect its people. Benue must be liberated from these ceaseless bloodbaths. Enough is enough. Our people deserve peace, dignity, and safety in their ancestral land.”
“The Governor must rise to the occasion, marshal all necessary resources, and demonstrate the political will to stop these evil acts. The time for excuses is over. Our people cannot continue to die while the government looks the other way,” he went on.
He stated that if given the opportunity to lead the state in 2027, he would demonstrate an unshakable commitment to restoring security, dignity, and prosperity to every community in the state.
