ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has strongly condemned the ongoing killings in Benue State, saying that the violence is driven by economic interests rather than religious motivations.
In a statement he personally signed and issued on Monday in Abuja, Akume described the killings as deeply troubling and wholly unacceptable.
“This latest reprehensible act one among too many is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation,” Akume declared.
“These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven.”
He lamented the loss of innocent lives, including men, women, and children, and emphasized that they would not be forgotten.
“We mourn them not as strangers but as brothers and sisters, bound together by a shared humanity and a common destiny,” he stated.
Akume issued a passionate call for unity among Benue’s citizens and leadership,, Vanguard reports.
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“Beyond mourning, I call on all sons and daughters of Benue, our leaders, traditional institutions, and key stakeholders to come together now urgently to forge a path toward lasting peace and security. We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future,” he urged.
The SGF expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for taking swift action in response to the crisis.
“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift directive for a full security operation to rid Benue of these killers and bring the perpetrators to justice,” Akume said.
He acknowledged that the federal government had already provided support through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and noted that more military personnel have been deployed to the state to contain the volatile situation.
“For my part, as a son of the soil and a key stakeholder, I will not relent in consulting, mobilizing, and coordinating all necessary efforts to find and implement a durable solution, as I am doing the same for all the other affected states,” he added.
Akume called for interfaith harmony, stressing the value of human life.
“As believers Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists, we believe in the sanctity of human lives. Any single life lost offends the sensibility of God Almighty. All of us must live as brothers and sisters in peace and harmony,” he added.
Akume further offered condolences and a pledge of justice.
He said, “I extend our deepest condolences to the grieving families and the resilient people of Benue. In this dark hour, we stand with you. And we will not rest until justice speaks loudly, clearly, and without delay.”