Benue Killings: CSOs Demand End To Spate Of Killings

A coalition of civil society organizations has demanded an end to the spate of killings in Benue and other States across the country.

The groups made the call at a joint meeting organized by Global Rights, a human Rights Group in Abuja.

Briefing news men in Abuja, the Country Representative of Global Rights Nigeria. Ms Abiodun Baiyewu Teru said the incessant crisis and killings had caused hardship, mass displacement and destruction of properties.

““The government has shown it self unwilling or unable to confront these killings and to put end to them. By so doing, it has abdicated its constitutional duty to guarantee the safety, security and well-being of all who live in Nigeria.”

Former chairman of National Human Rights Commission, Mr Chidi Odinkalu and an executive Director Leadership, Strategic and Development, Mr Otive Igbuzor who condemned the continued killings, called for a strong neighborhood security watch.
” we demand an end to the impunity that has led to the spiral of the conflict in the Middle Belt by immediate ordering of a full investigation”.

In a remark, a representative of the National Economic Council Mr Fasari Andrew and Mr Adeniran Gbolahan of the Department of Rule of Law in the presidency explained Government efforts at restoring sanity to the troubled areas.

” Investigations are ongoing by the Military and the Nigerian police, some arrest have been made. Though we are not saying they are the ones causing the crimes. Nigerians should exercise patients as everything is being done to unravel the root cause of the crisis”

At the end of the meeting, the coalition of CSOs agreed to establish joint crisis secretariat in Benue State and document all facts leading to crisis for effective solution.

By: Julian Osamoto/Abuja