… And lasting solution to herder-farmers clashes
A Port Harcourt-based group with tentacles around the south-south and south-east as well as the Gulf of Guinea has called for declaration of ‘state of emergency’ in Benue State. The state of emergency declared in Rivers State is now in its third month, with governance and public service almost grounded.
Now, the Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) led by Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in Benue State.
YEAC-Nigeria said the initiative would empower security operatives with extra powers to restore peace, protect lives, properties and prevent further attacks while working towards lasting solutions to the herders-farmers clashes.
As a call for possible lasting solutions, YEAC-Nigeria emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address the remote and immediate causes of these clashes, including implementing sustainable land use policies, promoting dialogue and conflict resolution mechanisms as well as supporting affected communities and persons with some compensations.
Few years ago, southerners rejected calls for cattle routes or ranches. Now, killings have intensified in Benue and Plateau states with herdsmen apparently pressing harder.
YEAC thus said it strongly condemns the recent massacre of over 200 defenseless people in Yelewata, Benue State, amidst the recurring herders-farmers clashes.
“We offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and express solidarity with the people of Benue State during this difficult time.
“The incessant attacks and senseless killings resulting from these clashes have caused immense human suffering, displacement, and destruction. YEAC-Nigeria demands immediate action to address the root causes of these conflicts and ensure justice for the victims.
“We call on the Benue State Government to establish an independent panel of investigation into the Yelewata killings to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and bring perpetrators to justice.”
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has just issued strong statement condemning the Benue massacre and asking for a halt.
The statement signed by Achike Chue, said the recent massacre is coming on the heels of other violent tragedies that have led to the gruesome loss of lives. He said these have the capacity to erode public confidence in the nation-state, and negatively impact the international image of Nigeria.
The NUJ advised the government of the federation to consider community-based policing and land reforms to help stop the Benue crisis.
