BENUE COMMUNITY IN ENUGU PROTEST AGAINST HERDSMEN ATTACKS
Som
e indigenes of Benue State living in the South East, under the umbrella of the Tiv, Idioma and Igede Forums, have joined the call on the Federal Government to put an end to the herdsmen-farmers crisis to avoid further loss of lives and property in the country.
They made the call during a peaceful protest in Enugu over the recent killing of farmers in Benue state.
The most terrible incident was on January 1, 2018 where alleged herdsmen attacks claimed the lives of about 73 persons while property worth millions of naira were destroyed.
The attack also rendered thousands of people from two local Government Areas homeless.
The protesters carried placards with inscriptions, “our people are dying,” “Federal Government must protect us” we are in support of anti-grazing law” among others.
According to the Chief convener of the peaceful protest, Chief Daniel Wayas, the incessant killings and destruction of property of their people by the herdsmen was condemnable and must be nipped in the bud.
Chief Wayas called on the security agents to guarantee the security of lives and property of people in Benue state while adequate attention should be given to the displaced persons.
The Ochi Idoma in Enugu State, Chief Abel Abah, maintained that peace in Benue state was of great importance for the unity of the nation and urged the Federal Government to handle the issue with utmost sincerity.
In a remark, the Reverend Ternenge Tor-ruan of the Universal Reformed Christian Church, described the killings by the herdsmen as a grievous sin against God and humanity and admonished those that lost their love ones to look up to God for consolation.
The Deputy Leader of the Tiv community in Enugu State, Mr. James Jigba, said that the plan to establish cattle colonies in the country was detrimental to the people of Benue State who were predominantly farmers.
OBINNA OGBUKA
