The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the recent violent attacks in Yelwata Community, Benue State, which led to the deaths of scores of people and left many others—including women, children, and the elderly—seriously injured.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has strongly condemned the recent violent attacks in Yelwata Community, Benue State, which led to the deaths of scores of people and left many others—including women, children, and the elderly—seriously injured.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba, the influential northern socio-cultural and political body described the June 13 killings as a “gruesome” and tragic recurrence in an already escalating cycle of violence across the region.
”The ACF condoles the members of the Yelwata Community, the government and people of Benue State, and indeed Nigeria as a whole,” the statement read. “We pray for the repose of the souls of the dead, commiserate with the injured, and wish them quick recovery.”
The Forum lamented what it described as “senseless killings” that have “continued to escalate for far too long” and now pose “potent threats to the shared destiny in Arewa and indeed in Nigeria.”
Citing the presence of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in Benue State only days before the tragedy, ACF expressed deep concern over the ineffectiveness of current security approaches.
“That the Yelwata tragedy would take place within days of the COAS’s relocation clearly illustrates that prevailing curtailment strategies must therefore be reviewed,” the statement said. “The current regime of terrorism, insurgencies, banditry, and communal conflicts, however labelled, must be frontally confronted with proactive measures, vigilance, and improved intelligence gathering.”
While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, ACF called for a robust overhaul of their tactics and urged national and community-level stakeholders to actively support peace-building initiatives.
The Forum made four key appeals:
”To citizens of Benue and other violence-prone areas to reject hate narratives and embrace empathy, understanding, and reconciliation.
”To the Federal and Benue State Governments to provide immediate relief materials to Yelwata and other affected communities.
”Commended Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State for what it described as “a refreshing and inclusive peace-building approach” and urged that “impunity must not be allowed to continue to hold sway. All those found culpable must be brought to justice.”
”Urged community and religious leaders to denounce violence and foster dialogue, tolerance, and shared humanity.
”May peace, understanding, cooperation, and social harmony return to Benue State, to all Arewa, and to other states across Nigeria,” ACF concluded.