Benue killings: A wake up call the president must not ignore

BY CHIONYE HENCS ODIAKA

Once again, the soil of Benue state is soaked with the blood of innocent Nigerians. Communities have been razed, families shattered, and dreams extinguished in the most brutal fashion. The killings in Benue are one too many for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration to remain docile, preoccupied with political calculations and ambitions, as if nothing has happened. The tragedy in Benue is not just a local issue; it is a national emergency that threatens the very fabric of Nigeria’s existence.

For years, the people of Benue and other parts of the Middle Belt have lived under the shadow of violence, especially from herdsmen attacks and other forms of banditry. Villages have been turned into graveyards, and survivors have been forced into makeshift camps, with little hope of returning to their ancestral lands. Each fresh attack deepens the wound and further exposes the failure of the state to protect its citizens, the first duty of any government.

What makes this situation more disheartening is the near silence and inaction of the federal government. After every attack, we hear the usual platitudes: condemnations from the presidency, promises of investigations, and sometimes, visits by officials who leave without offering any meaningful solution. The perpetrators, emboldened by the state’s inertia, continue their carnage without fear of justice. This culture of impunity is dangerous. It sends a clear message that human life in Nigeria, especially in certain regions, is cheap and expendable.

Nigeria cannot continue on this path and expect to remain one indivisible nation. Every nation has breaking points, and we are fast approaching ours. When certain groups feel perpetually marginalised, unprotected, and neglected by the state, the bond that holds the country together begins to weaken. The continued ignoring of the plight of Benue people and other victims of similar violence across the country is an ominous sign that may push Nigeria toward disintegration.

The consequences of such a disintegration would be catastrophic. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, a complex mosaic of ethnicities, languages, and religions. The violence we see today, if unchecked, could spiral into something much worse, a nationwide conflagration that would not spare any region. We have seen in other parts of the world how nations fall apart when leaders fail to act decisively in times of crisis. We cannot afford to let that happen here.

It is therefore imperative that President Tinubu and the entire leadership of the country wake up from their slumber. This is not the time for political games or distractions. The primary focus of the government must be to secure lives and property, restore peace, and ensure justice. The president must show, through actions and not just words, that he is a leader for all Nigerians, not just for those who voted for him or those from his region.

First, there must be an immediate and robust security response to protect vulnerable communities. The military and police must be given clear directives and adequate resources to hunt down and apprehend the killers. It is unacceptable that these criminals move in large numbers, attack villages, and disappear without a trace. With modern technology, intelligence gathering, and political will, they can be stopped.

Secondly, there must be a clear message that impunity will no longer be tolerated. All those arrested in connection with attacks must be speedily prosecuted. Justice delayed, in this case, is not just justice denied; it is an invitation to further chaos. The judiciary must be empowered and protected to carry out its duties without fear or favour.

Thirdly, the government must go beyond just security measures. The root causes of these conflicts must be addressed. The issues of land rights, grazing routes, and farmer-herder clashes have festered for too long without sustainable solutions. Dialogue, policy reforms, and equitable development are essential to achieving lasting peace. The National Assembly must rise to the occasion by enacting laws that address these challenges in ways that promote peaceful coexistence.

Furthermore, there is an urgent need for a national conversation about our future as a country. The growing insecurity, coupled with economic hardship and political disillusionment, has left many Nigerians questioning the essence of our union. A sincere dialogue,  not the type that is used as a political smokescreen, is necessary to rebuild trust and chart a path forward.

The Benue killings should serve as a wake-up call to all Nigerians, not just the president and the political elite. We must demand accountability from our leaders. We must insist that the government prioritises the safety and well-being of its people above personal ambitions and political manoeuvrings. Our silence and inaction as citizens only embolden the forces that threaten our unity.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. The choices we make today will determine whether we continue as one strong, united nation or descend into anarchy and disintegration. The president has a historic responsibility to choose the path of justice, peace, and unity. Anything short of this is a betrayal of the mandate given to him and a dangerous gamble with the future of our beloved country.

It is time to act, and act decisively. The lives of Nigerians, the stability of our nation, and the hope for future generations depend on it.

Chionye Hencs Odiaka is a humanitarian/an emergency management profession and community advocate. Odiaka can be contacted via [email protected]