The Labour Party has strongly condemned the recent spate of mass killings in Benue State, describing the attacks as a “fresh wave of senseless killings” and calling for urgent deployment of security forces to safeguard vulnerable communities across Nigeria’s North Central region.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s National Caretaker Committee, led by Senator Nenadi Usman, expressed deep sorrow over the brutal murder of more than 100 people—including women, children, displaced persons, and security operatives—as well as the destruction of homes and livelihoods.
“These were not mere numbers. They were human beings—innocent lives ended brutally,” Usman said. “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 decried the unrelenting violence, citing the torching of homes, ambushes on security personnel, and repeated attacks on displaced persons as glaring signs of a government failing to protect its people.
“This bloodshed in Benue should rattle every conscience,” she stated. “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.”
The Labour Party called not only for a full-scale investigation and the swift prosecution of perpetrators—regardless of status or affiliation—but also for a coordinated humanitarian response. This includes food relief, temporary shelter, medical care, and trauma support for affected communities.
Usman urged Nigerians to move beyond what she described as “routine condemnations” and take a firm stand for justice and national security.
“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 said.
She reaffirmed the Labour Party’s commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize the safety, welfare, and dignity of all Nigerians—especially those in rural and conflict-prone areas.
“Nigeria cannot continue like this,” Usman lamented.
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