Group demands comprehensive security operations in Benue

Amah Samuel-Ugbor Nnachi,
South-East Regional Editor

Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RuLAAC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to launch a comprehensive security operation in Benue State considering the spates of killings in the state, presently.

This was as it urged Tinubu to declare a “constitutional’ state of emergency in the state, saying the ongoing killings in the state had become a national embarrassment.

The Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, said this in a statement on Monday, a copy of which was obtained by our Correspondent.

According to the group, “Calling these “warring parties” is a cruel distortion of the truth. Even your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue, described the incident as “an unprovoked and barbaric massacre… a calculated ethnic cleansing campaign.”

The statement read in part, “Declare a constitutional state of emergency in Benue State.

“Use the powers granted to you under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution. You do not need to suspend the Governor or the House of Assembly — that would be unconstitutional. But clearly, the Governor is overwhelmed, and you are empowered to act, especially as he has failed to request action promptly.

“Launch a comprehensive security operation in the state. This should involve all arms of the military and police, coordinated directly from the National Security Adviser’s office and the Defence Headquarters. All existing operations, including Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), should be integrated into this mission. Those already arrested — including bandits and armed herders — should face swift justice. No mercy for murderers.

“Visit Yelwata immediately. Stand with the survivors. Address them. Mourn with them. Assure them that justice will be served. Announce a relief and reconstruction package. Let the world see you acting like the President of a country that values the lives of all its citizens.

“End the charade of “dialogue” with killers. Stop pressuring Governor Hyacinth Alia to engage in reconciliation with terrorists. There is no dialogue with genocidal actors — only justice. Mass murderers should be prosecuted, not placated. Dialogue without justice is what got us here in the first place.

Mr. President, Nigerians are watching. The world is watching. And history is watching.

“This is your test. This is your Rubicon.
Do not cross to the wrong side of history,,” he advised.