Former Director-General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, has strongly condemned the killing of over 200 innocent people in Yelewata Community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
At least 100 people were reported killed and many others injured after terrorists attacked the area on Saturday. Local leaders believe the number of deaths could be more than 200. Some entire families were burned alive, and some security officers were also killed.
On Sunday, protesters gathered at Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi. They carried leaves and called on the Federal Government to protect all its citizens.
The killings caused public anger. Many Nigerians on social media asked the government to declare a state of emergency in Benue State.
In a statement on Monday, Orhii described the killings as evil, cruel, and inhuman. He said everyone with a conscience must come together to condemn such actions.
He said although some Benue leaders have spoken out individually against the killings by criminal herdsmen, they have not united to fight against the violence.
Orhii urged Benue leaders to work together and cooperate with both state and federal governments to find a lasting solution to the violence and destruction in the state.
He said Benue, once known as the “Food Basket of the Nation,” has now become a place of fear and violence due to attacks by suspected armed herdsmen.
Orhii offered his condolences to the Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, the families who lost loved ones in Yelewata, and all the people of Benue.
He expressed hope that stronger efforts by the federal and state governments to improve security and provide help would bring relief to the affected communities.
Orhii also asked the government to quickly train local people in self-defense and support strong, healthy men to act as local guards to protect their communities.
He said the government must use both military and non-military strategies to deal with the serious threat posed by the armed herdsmen.
