Former Senate President David Mark has issued a warning regarding potential reprisals following a series of attacks on communities in Benue State attributed to suspected terrorists.
Gatekeepers News reports that in recent weeks, various local government areas, including Otukpo, Agatu, Apa, Ohimini, Okpokwu, Ado, Ogbadibo, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Katsina-Ala, Logo, and Ukum, have experienced violent assaults, resulting in the loss of lives and significant destruction of property, estimated to be worth billions of naira.
In Gwer-West, the killings of residents incited protests among local youths. Meanwhile, renewed violence in the Otukpo area last week led to multiple fatalities and several abductions.
In light of these distressing events, Mark has expressed his deep concerns about the escalating insecurity in Benue State and has called for comprehensive investigations to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
“It is heartwarming that some of the beasts involved in the dastardly acts have been apprehended by security agents,” he said.
“I urge all concerned to do a diligent investigation and ensure that all the people immediately and remotely involved should be made to face the full wrath of the law.
“I also call on the youths in our various communities to ensure vigilance and report any suspicious behaviour of people and their movements to law enforcement agencies to prevent reoccurrence.”
The former senate president cautioned against any form of ethnic profiling or retaliatory violence, urging communities to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“There should be no stereotyping of any ethnic group or reprisal attacks on any group of people due to these unfortunate incidents,” he said.
“I commiserate with those who lost their loved ones at the hands of the marauders. May their souls rest in peace.”
