The Southern Nigeria Forum (SNF) said yesterday that the serial killings in the country, especially those perpetrated by herdsmen, were indication that the federal government has woefully failed in its vow to protect the lives and property of the people.
While condemning the murder of innocent Nigerians in Benue, Taraba and Kaduna states by herdsmen, the Forum, in a statement by its Country Administrator, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, said it was disheartening that the government has not taken a definite action to prevent further killings.
The statement, which asked government to immediately arrest and prosecute those behind the latest attacks, said Nigerians might no longer fold their arms and watch their relatives slaughtered daily in their homes by marauding herdsmen.
The Form noted: “In recent times, the peoples of the above mentioned states, especially, the people of Southern Kaduna and Agatu of Benue State, have endured relentless murderous assaults on their communities
by these so-called herdsmen.
“While the whole world celebrated the birth of Jesus Christ and the peace he brings and the New Year, these cruel merchants of death descended on communities in Benue State and slaughtered over 50 persons, as well as set fire to all their homes.
“The SNF, condemns, in very strong and unequivocal manner, the apparently endless murder of these innocent Nigerians by herdsmen and the seeming paralysis, which has characterised the response of government and its security forces to such destructive wastage of human and material resources by a group, which has now become so brazen and audacious in its activities that one wonders whether these criminals are not above Aso Rock.
“It is regrettable that despite the countless violent assaults against innocent peoples, the Federal Government has woefully failed to act in any decisive manner against these herdsmen.
“The SNF hereby calls on the President and security agencies to immediately take necessary steps to apprehend the culprits and as a matter of urgent national importance, provide adequate security for all the peoples of Benue, Taraba and Southern Kaduna in order to decisively put an end to the lawlessness of these murdering gang.
“The SNF assumes that the government is fully aware that unbridled violence is an ill wind that blows no one any good, and that every reasonable step must be taken to terminate such lunacy, as has been exhibited by these herdsmen.”
