Recurring Violence, Rising Kidnapping, Threat To National Security, Economic Activities – David Mark

Worried by the renewed killings in Benue and Plateau states, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to halt the escalating wave of killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states.

He warned that failure to act would further embolden criminal elements operating in the region.

Mark made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday through his media aide, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, following the reported killing of about 16 persons in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected armed militias.

The former Senate President also expressed concern over the reported abduction of passengers travelling in a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi highway after gunmen allegedly intercepted the vehicle and whisked its occupants into the bush.

Describing the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable, Mark said the recurring violence and rising incidents of kidnapping pose a serious threat to national security, economic activities and social stability.

“It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways.

“The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that goes unanswered only emboldens the perpetrators,” he stated.

He urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other security agencies to intensify operations against criminal groups responsible for the attacks.

He stressed the need for improved intelligence gathering, enhanced surveillance and rapid deployment of personnel to vulnerable communities and identified flashpoints.

Mark also called for immediate search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of passengers abducted from the Benue Links bus, insisting that those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be apprehended and prosecuted.