The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a full-scale offensive against criminals wreaking havoc in Benue state.
The association also urged the federal government to put an end to the renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno state.
In a statement issued on Sunday from Kaduna, northern CAN appealed to the president to take firm and urgent steps to stop the ongoing violence and devastation.
The statement, signed by Sunday Oibe, secretary-general of northern CAN, strongly condemned Saturday’s deadly attacks in Benue, stressing that the continued assaults by suspected herders were no longer tolerable.
On June 14, suspected herders reportedly killed more than 100 residents in coordinated assaults on Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGA of Benue.
These attacks came barely 48 hours after 25 people were murdered in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA.
According to reports, many of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers, with some said to have been burnt alive in makeshift camps.
CAN expresses concern
Oibe expressed concern that the security situation appeared to be deteriorating just when many believed the security forces had subdued the criminal elements.
“We urgently call on the federal government to take decisive and comprehensive action to stop the killings and restore peace and security,” Oibe stated.
“We urge the President to urgently declare total war against these criminals and direct security agencies to neutralise the threat within a clear and enforceable time frame.
“Should the situation prove beyond the capacity of Nigeria’s security forces, the government should seek international assistance to halt the killings and abductions.”
The association also encouraged Benue residents to remain united and collaborate with security agencies to put an end to the killings.
“Likewise, the menace posed by Boko Haram and associated terrorist groups must be decisively checked to prevent further loss of lives and abductions,” the statement added.
“The sovereignty of our nation and the safety of its citizens depend on a robust and unwavering response from all security apparatus.
“We call on the government and security agencies to marshal all necessary resources and resolve to eradicate these threats without delay.”
