The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has called on the Federal Government to take urgent and decisive steps to halt the escalating killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states, warning that continued attacks threaten national security and public confidence.
Mark made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, following the reported killing of about 16 people in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected armed militias.
The former Senate President also expressed concern over the reported hijacking of a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi Road, where armed men allegedly abducted all passengers before taking them into the surrounding forest.
Describing the incidents as barbaric and unacceptable, Mark said the persistent wave of violence and increasing cases of abduction have become a serious threat to peace, public safety and social stability across the affected communities.
He stressed that protecting lives and property remains the primary responsibility of government, adding that every attack left unanswered only strengthens the resolve of criminal groups.
“It is unacceptable that innocent Nigerians continue to be slaughtered in their communities while others are abducted on our highways. The primary responsibility of any government is the protection of lives and property. Every life lost is one too many, and every attack that goes unanswered only emboldens the perpetrators,” he said.
Mark urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to intensify operations against those responsible for the attacks through improved intelligence gathering, sustained surveillance of vulnerable communities and highways, and the rapid deployment of personnel to identified flashpoints.
He also called for immediate search-and-rescue efforts to secure the safe release of passengers abducted from the Benue Links bus, insisting that those behind the killings and kidnappings must be identified, arrested and prosecuted without delay.
According to him, no Nigerian community should be left at the mercy of armed criminals, urging the Federal Government to address the worsening Benue security crisis with the urgency it demands.
The ADC chairman further appealed to the Benue State Government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence capable of preventing future attacks.
While acknowledging that security requires collective vigilance, Mark maintained that the constitutional responsibility for safeguarding lives and property ultimately rests with government. He extended condolences to the families of those killed, wished the injured a speedy recovery and expressed hope that the abducted passengers would regain their freedom safely.
“The blood of innocent Benue people cries out for justice. This is the time for decisive action, not routine assurances. Those who murder innocent citizens and terrorise our communities must face the full weight of the law. Benue deserves peace. Our people deserve to live without fear,” he added.
The latest attacks have renewed concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where recurring violence has claimed hundreds of lives, displaced thousands of residents and disrupted farming activities in both Benue and Plateau states. Observers say the incidents have intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities, secure major highways and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
