By Swill Mavua
The recent wave of violent attacks and killings in Benue State has sent shockwaves across the nation, leaving a trail of death, destruction, and despair in its wake. The gruesome incidents, which have claimed numerous lives and displaced many more, have raised serious questions about the government’s ability to protect its citizens and maintain law and order.
Reports indicate that the killings have been ongoing, with various incidents reported in different parts of the state. The exact number of casualties is still unknown, but eyewitness accounts and testimonies from survivors paint a harrowing picture of the atrocities committed. The attacks have been brazen, with armed groups targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, in their homes and communities.
The government’s response to the crisis has been woefully inadequate, to say the least. Despite the severity of the situation, the government seems to be struggling to take decisive action, leaving many to wonder if they are truly committed to resolving the crisis. The lack of urgency and decisive leadership has emboldened the perpetrators, who seem to be acting with impunity.
This is not the first time the government has faced criticism for its handling of security crises. During the Goodluck Jonathan administration, the opposition accused him of being clueless in dealing with similar situations. The then-opposition leaders, including Bola Tinubu, were vocal in their criticism, accusing the government of incompetence and ineptitude. It appears that not much has changed, as the current government’s response to the Benue killings has been equally ineffective.
Ironically, Bola Tinubu, a vocal critic of past governments’ handling of security issues, now seems to be adopting a different approach. Rather than taking bold action to address the situation, he appears to be passing the buck to the state government. This ostrich-like behavior, where he buries his head in the sand while pretending the problem doesn’t exist, is unacceptable. By doing so, he is shirking his responsibility as a leader to protect the citizens and ensure their safety.
The people of Benue State deserve better. They deserve a government that will take decisive action to protect them, not one that shifts responsibility and hopes the problem goes away. The government must act now to address the crisis and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families. This includes deploying adequate security personnel to the affected areas, investigating the incidents, and bringing the perpetrators to book.
Moreover, the government needs to address the underlying causes of the crisis, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic amenities. The people of Benue State should not have to live in fear of their lives, and it’s the government’s duty to provide them with a safe and secure environment.
In conclusion, the Benue killings are a wake-up call for the government to take decisive action and demonstrate its commitment to protecting its citizens. The government must act now to address the crisis, and Tinubu, as a leader, must take responsibility and provide the necessary leadership to resolve the situation. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by the people.
… Mavua, a journalist wrote from Lagos.
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