The Labour Party (LP) has denounced the recent mass murders in Benue State, urging the immediate deployment of security forces to safeguard vulnerable communities throughout Nigeria’s North Central region.

Characterising the assaults as “a new wave of senseless violence, the party cautioned that Nigeria cannot continue in this trend.

Naijaonpoint reports that the party’s National Caretaker Committee Chairman, Senator Nenadi Usman, in a statement released on Monday, called for a comprehensive investigation and prompt prosecution of the offenders, irrespective of their status or affiliations.

Usman conveyed profound grief over the deaths of over 100 individuals, including women, children, displaced persons, and security personnel, along with the devastation of homes and livelihoods.

“These were not mere numbers. They were human beings, innocent lives ended brutally.

“Children who deserved safety were slaughtered. Mothers who should be nurturing families were buried in mass graves. Fathers who tried to defend their homes were cut down without mercy,” she said.

The Labour Party chieftain expressed sorrow over the persistent violence, highlighting the burning of homes, attacks on security forces, and ongoing assaults on displaced individuals as stark indicators of the government’s inability to safeguard its populace.

“This bloodshed in Benue should rattle every conscience.

“It’s more than a regional crisis; it’s a national disgrace. The boldness of the attackers and the vulnerability of the victims reveal a troubling vacuum in leadership and accountability,” Usman stated.

In addition to military intervention, Usman advocated for a unified humanitarian effort, which encompasses food provisions, housing, medical aid, and psychological support for those affected.

She encouraged Nigerians to transcend mere “routine condemnations” and insist on tangible actions, emphasising that silence and apathy merely empower those who commit acts of violence.

“To the grieving families, I mourn with you as a mother.

“To the orphaned children, the widowed women, and the devastated communities, your cries are heard. Your pain resonates nationwide, and your demand for justice must not be ignored,” she added.

She reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to pushing for policies that prioritise the safety and dignity of all Nigerians, particularly those in rural and conflict-ridden areas.

“Nigeria cannot continue like this,” Usman lamented.