David Mark demands decisive military action as fresh killings rock Benue, Plateau

…Condemns abduction of passengers on Otukpo–Makurdi road

Senator David Mark, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has condemned the latest wave of killings in Benue and Plateau states, describing the sustained bloodshed as intolerable and urging the federal government to take immediate, decisive action to end the violence.

Reacting to the reported killing of about 16 people in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom, Plateau State, by suspected armed militias, Mark described the attacks as barbaric, reprehensible and a direct assault on the sanctity of human life.

In a statement issued on Monday by Kola Ologbondiyan, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the former Senate President also expressed deep concern over the reported hijacking of a fully loaded Benue Links bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where armed men allegedly abducted all the passengers into the bush.

He called for an immediate, coordinated search-and-rescue operation to secure the safe release of the victims.

Mark warned that the recurring attacks, mass killings and rising cases of kidnapping in Benue State pose a grave threat to national security, peace and social stability, stressing that no nation can thrive under a climate of fear, lawlessness and impunity.

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“It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that goes unanswered only emboldens the perpetrators,” he said.

He charged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify operations by taking the fight directly to the perpetrators.

Mark urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, sustain surveillance of vulnerable communities and major highways, and immediately deploy personnel to identified flashpoints across Benue and other affected states.

He insisted that those responsible for the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay, warning that the prevailing culture of impunity must be brought to an end.

The ADC chairman also urged the federal government to treat the worsening security situation in Benue with the urgency it deserves, noting that residents had endured repeated attacks for too long.

He appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing further attacks.

According to him, while security is a collective responsibility, the constitutional duty to protect lives and property rests squarely on the government.

“The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances. Those who murder innocent citizens and terrorise our communities must face the full weight of the law. Benue deserves peace. Our people deserve to live without fear,” he said.

He reaffirmed his solidarity with the people of Benue State and urged Nigerians to reject violence, support lawful efforts to restore peace and remain united against forces seeking to destabilise the country through terror and criminality.