Elixir Trust Foundation has expressed outrage over the renewed wave of violence and killings by Fulani Militia in Benue State, where thousands of innocent lives, including children, women, and the elderly, were killed in rural communities.
Executive Director, Elixir Trust Foundation, Mr. Emmanuel Ikule, said that these killings have been happening for years without accountability by either security agencies or the government at all levels.
He added: “These acts of violence are not only a direct affront to the right to life, peace, and dignity but also represent a grim reminder of the ongoing insecurity plaguing many parts of Nigeria.
“The impunity with which these atrocities are committed is unacceptable and must be urgently addressed by all levels of government and security agencies.”
According to Ikule, as an organisation committed to human rights, justice, and the protection of vulnerable populations, Elixir Trust Foundation calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Benue State Government, and security agencies to launch an immediate, transparent investigation into the killings and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice without delay.
He also stated that there should be an independent investigation into the role of security officers, public office holders in these crimes, especially as, despite killings, no reports of people arrested for these crimes.
He further said: “Deploy adequate security personnel to affected communities to forestall further violence and restore peace, the implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition Law 2017.”
Ikule also wants the government to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to survivors and displaced families, particularly women and children who are most affected.
“Humanitarian support to all IDPs, not just to the recently displaced. People interested in supporting the displaced population with food and non-food items NFIs) can reach out to us via: 09128969972,” he said.
He also urged the government to ensure all protesters who were arrested in the State are released, as protesting is protected by Section 39 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. #freedomofexpression #freeprotesters
Another demand is that the government should strengthen community-based conflict prevention and early warning systems to detect and de-escalate tensions before they erupt into violence, as this could also be helped with Monthly community security meetings.
Ikule continued: “Strengthen synergy between neighbouring States in addressing this genocide happening in Middlebelt states, especially Benue and Plateau States.
“The continued failure to protect lives, recognise right to life, expression and uphold justice only deepens the distrust between citizens and the state, undermines national unity, and perpetuates cycles of trauma and displacement as currently seen and experienced in Benue State.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Benue State and all Nigerians affected by these violent attacks. The time to act is now. Lives must be protected, and justice must prevail.”
