BEVERLY HILLS, March 12, (THEWILL) – A group of journalists under the aegis of Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) Wednesday condemned Tuesday’s attack on Governor Gabriel Suswam of Benue State by an armed group suspected to be Fulani herdsmen/militia.
The group in a statement issued by its chairman, Emmanuel Iffer, in Abuja, strongly condemned the attack, calling on President Goodluck Jonathan to urgently take steps to arrest the situation.
The group warned that the situation is gradually taking a very dangerous dimension with the possibility of escalating into a full scale war against the peace-loving people of Benue.
“As a group, we totally condemn the senseless and dastardly act of aggression that is being perpetuated against the people of Benue, especially with yesterday (Tuesday)’s reported attack on the governor of Benue, Gabriel Suswam, who was on his way to commiserate with victims of such attacks.
“President Goodluck Jonathan, must as a matter of urgency, not only order the deployment of security personnel, but to ensure that the situation is brought under total control, before it becomes too late.,” it said.
It further warned that failure to contain the attacks is capable of a serious security challenge for the country, considering the place and location of Benue State, as well as its proximity to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
“The continuation of these attacks poses serious security situation, even for the nation’s capital, Abuja, because if Benue people decide to defend themselves, the outcome can best be imagined. It is also becoming clear that either the security personnel are either not capable or not prepared to protect our people,” the statement added.
It also called for full investigation of alleged involvement of some military personnel in some of the attacks, especially attacks in Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of the state, where some army personnel were said to have been apprehended by youths of the area.
“We also insist that a full scale investigation must be conducted into the alleged involvement of some army personnel in the attacks, especially in Jato Aka, Kwande, and the outcome must also be made public, just as appropriate punitive measures should be taken,” it said.
The journalists listed their objectives to include the upliftment of education, health environment standards, agriculture, security, oil and gas; and others in the state.
They also maintained that their strategic priorities include full preparation for integrated regional development, influencing processes and individuals and identifying targeted projects as well as inclusion of all stakeholders in their pursuits.
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