We have refrained and turned a blind eye to the inaction of the Federal government of Nigeria as regards the killings of Nigerians resident in Benue State on the pretext that the role of security is to be fulfilled by the State government.
Despite understanding the unwillingness of the state government to fall out of favor with the Federal APC controlled Government, It is clear that enough has not been done to secure the lives of innocent Nigerians living in Benue State.
The recent news that stated that the killings were being carried out by armed robbers cannot be substantiated. The excuse provided by the Nigeria police in an attempt to change the coloration of ethnic/religious and political killings going on in Benue state does not hold water.
having said this, it is a call to the State Government to take up its role of securing lives and property without fear or favor.
The times have changed. We can no longer sleep with too eyes closed. Benue state has to wake up to the realities of security. The state has to be on guard, watchful and observant and take full control of all activities within its territory.
Innovation cannot be ruled out. State government ought to take immediate decisive actions to assure the lives of the Benue farmers whose livelihood are continually being threatened by unknown gunmen..
The international community should also do not pay a blind eye. The visits by the Ambassador of the United States to the state governor is commendable. without threats to any one in particular, injustice in one place is injustice everywhere, the sooner this crisis is niped in the bud and normalcy returns to these communities the better. We expect more as regards the outcome of the such a visit.
Lastly, The admonition of the state governor to the indegenes calling for peace despite these attacks on the state indegenes and particularly well meaning Nigeria is also commendable. However, the Government needs to do more to ensure security than by merely seeking to pacify and calm the nerves of the people with words.
LWNW Editor, Damian writes from Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory.
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