The Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has called on the Federal Government to decentralise the nation’s security architecture as the only viable solution to the ongoing killings in Benue State and other troubled parts of the country.
In a press statement released on Friday, which he personally signed, Adams condemned the recent spate of violent attacks in Benue, which have claimed hundreds of lives, destroyed properties, and displaced communities, creating widespread fear among residents.
He said the root causes of the violence include clashes between Fulani herders and local communities, weak security and law enforcement, proliferation of arms, political challenges, and socio-economic issues like poverty and unemployment.
He noted that the persistent killings violate the fundamental right to life guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution and threaten the peace, unity, and economic wellbeing of affected areas, which has disrupted agriculture, the mainstay of the region’s economy causing poverty and food insecurity.
Adams also expressed concern about the recurring killings, which have now gotten to a stage that demands sustained and multifaceted responses from the Federal Government to restore peace, protect citizens, and promote reconciliation and development in the troubled areas.
He lamented that despite repeated complaints from communities and efforts by the Southwest Security Stakeholders Group to collaborate with state governments, the Federal Government has yet to decentralise security operations.
“The time for a decentralised security system that allows federal, state, and local government police is now. This is the only way to stop the mindless killings going on in Benue and other places where innocent lives are lost to non-state actors and marauders,” he stressed.
He, however, warned that continued insecurity in the country would discourage foreign investment, tourism, and damage the country’s image and economy.
