A governorship hopeful in Benue State for the 2027 race, Dr Simon Ater, has strongly condemned the incessant killings and kidnappings across Benue communities, describing the situation as "one too many tragedies that must no longer be tolerated."
Ater expressed deep sorrow over the latest attack in Achakpa community in Makurdi, where more than three persons were gruesomely murdered and several others abducted.
In a statement signed by the media director, AterSimon Foundation, Elizabeth Atime-Chirkpi, the governorship aspirant lamented how the attacks came shortly after over 200 lives were lost in Yelwata, stressing that Benue people were being slaughtered with reckless abandon.
"It is heartbreaking that just a few kilometers away from Yelwata where over 200 of our brothers and sisters were massacred, fresh blood has been spilled again in Achakpa. How much more suffering must our people endure before decisive action is taken?" Dr. Ater questioned.
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He expressed worry over what he described as "gross insensitivity to the plight of grieving families" by the government in the State.
"At a time when our people are mourning, when children are being orphaned and families displaced, this government is shamelessly preparing to host a carnival in October. This is not only an insult to the dead, but also a betrayal of the living who now live in fear every day," Ater stated.
He further decried the worsening insecurity along major roads leading to Makurdi, as the indigenes took to the streets to protest the recent killings which left motorists and commuters stranded and vulnerable.
He reminded the state government of its foremost duty to secure lives and property, saying: "the primary responsibility of any instituted government is to protect its people. Benue must be liberated from these ceaseless bloodbaths. Enough is enough. Our people deserve peace, dignity, and safety in their ancestral land."
Calling on Governor Hyacinth Alia to act decisively, Ater said: "the Governor must rise to the occasion, marshal all necessary resources, and demonstrate the political will to stop these evil acts. The time for excuses is over. Our people cannot continue to die while the government looks the other way."
The philanthropist assured the people of Benue that his aspiration to lead the state in 2027 was driven by an unshakable commitment to restore security, dignity, and prosperity to every community.
"We must reclaim our state from the grip of fear. Our people must be liberated. This is one tragedy too many and it must stop," he added.
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