Former Senate President David Mark has expressed deep outrage over the unending wave of violence sweeping through Benue State, describing the latest spate of killings by suspected armed herdsmen as intolerable and a direct assault on the peace and dignity of the people. In a strongly worded statement released by his media adviser, Paul Mumeh, Mark did not mince words, declaring that enough is enough and calling for urgent, decisive action from security agencies and government authorities to halt the bloodshed and bring perpetrators to justice.
Communities across Benue, including Otukpo Mark’s own hometown Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Gwer West, Gwer East, Katsina Ala, Logo, and Ukum have been under siege in recent weeks. The attacks have left scores dead, many kidnapped, and properties worth billions of naira destroyed. In Otukpo alone, villagers have been forced to flee their homes in terror, with reports of gunmen killing residents and threatening further violence. The fear and panic have been palpable, as families abandon their farms and livelihoods in search of safety.
Mark lamented that the carnage has reached a boiling point, recalling that just a few weeks ago, killings in Gwer-West sparked protests by aggrieved youths, and only last week, several more lives were lost and others abducted in the Otukpo axis. He welcomed the news that some suspects had been apprehended by security operatives, but insisted that investigations must be thorough and all those involved whether directly or indirectly must face the full weight of the law. “There must be no sacred cows. Justice must be served to restore confidence in the system,” Mark stressed.
He further urged community youths to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to law enforcement, emphasizing that collective vigilance is crucial in these trying times. At the same time, Mark cautioned against ethnic profiling or retaliatory attacks, warning that such actions would only deepen the wounds and prolong the cycle of violence. “We must not allow the actions of a few criminals to set our communities against each other. Benue is known for hospitality and tolerance, and we must not lose sight of that even in the face of provocation,” he appealed.
The former Senate President also extended heartfelt condolences to families who have lost loved ones, praying for the repose of the souls of the victims. He called on the federal government and all security agencies to confront the grim reality of Nigeria’s security challenges and take concrete steps to end the violence. “If the authorities cannot guarantee the safety of ordinary citizens in their homes, farms, or places of business, the situation risks spiraling out of control. We cannot contemplate a scenario where people are forced to resort to self-help, as the consequences would be catastrophic,” Mark warned.
As the people of Benue grapple with trauma and uncertainty, Mark’s message is clear: the time for platitudes is over. The government must act decisively to restore peace, uphold justice, and reassure citizens that their lives matter. The world is watching, and the people of Benue deserve nothing less than swift, concrete action to end this reign of terror
