Former Bayelsa State Governor and serving Senator, Seriake Dickson, has expressed deep sorrow over the recent wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable. In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the lawmaker condemned what he called “dastardly and callous” acts of violence that have claimed numerous innocent lives in both states, adding that such incidents reflect a growing state of insecurity and breakdown of law and order across Nigeria.
Senator Dickson, who currently represents Bayelsa West Senatorial District, noted that the pattern of violence witnessed in parts of Benue, Plateau, and Zamfara bears disturbing similarities to the Boko Haram insurgency that ravaged the North-East for over a decade. According to him, the persistent killings by armed bandits and militia groups have become a clear manifestation of state failure, especially in the area of protecting lives and property.
The former governor stressed that the escalating violence is not random, but rather the result of a complex interplay of unresolved socio-economic and environmental crises. He cited competition for land and water resources, illegal mining activities, and the growing impact of climate change as underlying factors fueling the persistent clashes, particularly between herders and farming communities. He emphasized that unless these root causes are addressed, the cycle of violence will continue to threaten the country’s unity and stability.
Dickson called for urgent and honest conversations among the country’s leadership, including security chiefs, to tackle the worsening security situation head-on. He argued that any meaningful solution must go beyond political rhetoric and instead involve decisive actions, including policy reforms and security sector accountability.
One of the key proposals advanced by the senator is the nationwide adoption of ranching as a permanent alternative to open grazing. According to Dickson, open grazing has become outdated and incompatible with Nigeria’s current demographic and environmental realities. He stressed that enforcing a national ban on open grazing and supporting the establishment of ranches would significantly reduce violent conflicts between herders and farmers, as well as curb the mobility of armed militias masquerading as pastoralists.
He urged the relevant ministries, including those overseeing agriculture, environment, and internal affairs, to collaborate with security agencies and traditional institutions to implement and fund sustainable livestock practices. In his view, this is no longer a regional issue, but a matter of national urgency requiring coordinated federal action and grassroots support.
The senator further promised to raise these critical issues with relevant authorities in the National Assembly, vowing to continue advocating for policies that will restore peace and stability to affected communities. He extended his condolences to the governments and people of Benue and Plateau States, assuring them of his solidarity and commitment to lasting solutions.
Nigeria has recorded a troubling spike in communal violence in recent months, with reports indicating that hundreds of lives have been lost to attacks in agrarian communities across the Middle Belt. The federal government has been under mounting pressure from civil society, traditional rulers, and lawmakers to take decisive action against the worsening security crisis.
