Akume mourns Benue killings, calls them senseless acts rooted in greed not religion.
He urges unity among leaders and citizens to restore lasting peace and protect communities.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has expressed deep sorrow over the relentless wave of violence and killings in Benue State, describing the acts as senseless and driven by economic motives rather than religious differences.
In a statement released on Monday from Abuja, Akume condemned the continuous loss of innocent lives in Benue and other parts of the country. He described the situation as “deeply disheartening and utterly condemnable,” insisting that the violence has reached an intolerable level and must be addressed urgently.
“This latest reprehensible act one among too many is not merely a tragedy for Benue; it is a deep wound to the soul of our nation,” he said. “These dastardly acts are not restricted to Benue State alone. Plateau and Zamfara states also suffer the same fate. These killings are economically deterministic, not religiously driven.”
Akume emphasized that the attacks are being perpetrated by individuals seeking to exploit communities for personal gain under the guise of conflict. He insisted that religion should not be blamed for what is clearly a struggle over land, resources, and power.
The SGF mourned the lives lost, describing them as “not strangers, but brothers and sisters bound by shared humanity.” He added, “The men, women, and children who have died will not be forgotten. Their memories must inspire us to act.”
He called on all people of Benue, especially political leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders, to urgently unite and take responsibility for restoring peace to the state. According to him, only a collective effort can bring about the lasting peace that the people so desperately need.
“Beyond mourning, I call on all sons and daughters of Benue, our leaders, traditional institutions, and key stakeholders to come together now urgently to forge a path toward lasting peace and security. We must rise above division and act decisively to protect our people and preserve our future,” he urged.
Senator Akume also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for responding swiftly to the crisis by ordering a full-scale security operation aimed at flushing out the armed groups responsible for the killings.
He acknowledged the federal government’s support through the deployment of troops and relief interventions by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), stating that these steps show a strong commitment to restoring normalcy in the region.
Akume assured that he would continue to work behind the scenes as both a public official and a native of Benue. “For my part, as a son of the soil and a key stakeholder, I will not relent in consulting, mobilizing, and coordinating all necessary efforts to find and implement a durable solution, as I am doing the same for all the other affected states,” he stated.
The SGF also called on all Nigerians regardless of their religious background to respect the sanctity of life. He urged Christians, Muslims, and traditionalists alike to embrace peaceful coexistence and remember that every life is sacred in the eyes of God.
“As believers, we all understand that life is a divine gift. The loss of a single soul is an affront to the sensibilities of the Almighty. We must begin to live with one another in peace, understanding, and harmony,” he concluded.
