Declare total war on criminals terrorising Benue, northern CAN tells Tinubu

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) has implored President Bola Tinubu to declare war on criminal elements unleashing mayhem on communities in Benue state.

The association also urged the government to stop the resurgence of Boko Haram terrorist activities in Borno state.

In a statement on Sunday in Kaduna, the association urged the president to take decisive action to end the bloodshed and destruction.

The statement, signed by Sunday Oibe, secretary-general of northern CAN, condemned Saturday’s killings in Benue communities, adding that the persistent attacks by suspected herdsmen are unacceptable.

On June 14, over 100 people were reportedly killed in attacks by suspected herdsmen in Yelewata and Daudu communities, in Guma LGA of Benue state.

This comes less than 48 hours after the killing of 25 people in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa communities in Makurdi LGA.

Reports indicate that many internally displaced persons (IDPs) and farmers were killed, with some reportedly burnt alive in makeshift shelters.

Oibe lamented that the security situation appears to be worsening at a time when it seemed that the criminal elements had been contained by security agencies.

“We urgently call on the federal government to take decisive and comprehensive action to stop the killings and restore peace and security,” he said.

“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 called on the people of Benue to unite and work closely with security agencies to bring an end to the bloodshed.

“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.”