Benue Killings: Mandate4 Demands Urgent, Coordinated Action

Following the killing of 200 people in Benue State by Fulani herdsmen, a civil society organisation, Mandate4, has called on the federal government to expedite intervention measures aimed at containing the spiralling bloodletting.
A statement issued by the group in Abuja, condemned in strong terms the killing of innocent people including women and children in Benue.
“Mandate4 is gravely concerned about the ongoing violence in Benue State which has claimed innocent lives,
destroyed communities, and displaced thousands. We are issuing an urgent call to all levels of government, federal,
state, and local, to respond swiftly and decisively to this humanitarian crisis”, it said.
The group asserted that “the scale and persistence of the attacks in Benue reveal a dangerous breakdown in security coordination and
response.
“Citizens are living in fear, and the state continues to bury its dead while those responsible go unpunished.
“This is unacceptable.
We urge government authorities to move beyond condolence statements and take real, measurable action to protect
lives and restore hope. The people of Benue deserve better.
The group, therefore, called on the the authorities to
“strengthen security and intelligence coordination, deploy security personnel proactively, improve intelligence gathering and sharing across agencies, and
ensure prompt response to early warnings. Protecting vulnerable communities must be a top priority”.
The Mandate4 also demanded that government “delivers emergency relief and recovery support,
provide immediate humanitarian assistance, food, shelter, medical care, and trauma counselling to displaced
families. Swift action is needed to prevent further suffering”.
It further called on government to facilitate inclusive community dialogue, engage local leaders, religious groups, civil society, and conflict resolution experts to chart a sustainable path
to peace and reconciliation.
Government, it said, should compensate and rehabilitate victims, offer financial assistance, housing support, and mental health services to victims and survivors. The group maintained that justice must
be visible and restorative.
“Mandate4 stands in solidarity with every individual and family affected by this crisis. We mourn the lives lost and
pledge to continue advocating for meaningful change. “Our hearts go out to the people of Benue, and we commit to
using every platform available to amplify their plight.
This moment demands more than sympathy; it demands leadership, action, and accountability.
“We urge all
stakeholders to put politics aside and prioritise the safety, dignity, and future of citizens of Benue.