The Northern Elders Forum on Wednesday expressed strong disapproval of what they termed the ongoing wave of murders and violence affecting Benue State, labelling the situation as a “genocide” stemming from government neglect, political collusion, and a breakdown of systems.
In a statement released by Professor Abubakar Jika Jiddere, spokesperson for the NEF, the Forum lamented the alarming extent of human loss and hardship throughout Benue, cautioning that a state once known for its agricultural prosperity and economic stability is now spiralling into chaos and hopelessness.
The Forum cautioned that misrepresenting the killings could embolden the assailants, distract from the reality, and exacerbate the instability.
“The situation has degenerated into unrestrained bloodshed and lawlessness, turning communities into killing fields and exposing the utter collapse of governance, accountability, and security. Benue State, one of Nigeria’s critical agricultural hubs, is vital in national food production, youth and women’s employment, and economic stability. Today, this once-thriving state is under siege.
“The lives of its innocent citizens are being violently cut short, and its socio-economic structure is being systematically destroyed, while the government stands by in silence, helplessness, or worse, complicity.
“The deliberate attempt to reframe this politically driven violence as an ethnic or communal issue is dishonest, irresponsible, and dangerous. It deflects from the truth and emboldens those behind these atrocities.” The statement read.
The Forum affirmed its unwavering solidarity with the citizens of Benue and all communities in Northern Nigeria affected by crises, adding that the devastation being experienced is a direct result of government apathy, incompetence, and neglect of its fundamental duties.
