Jimin Geoffrey, a former Senior Special Assistant on Media to ex-Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, has spoken out about the recent attack in Yelewata community, Guma Local Government Area, where over 200 people were massacred by suspected herdsmen. Geoffrey, who contested to represent the Guma 1 State constituency in the last election, revealed that many victims are still missing and the situation remains dire.
Key Points
- *Missing Persons*: Geoffrey stated that the figure of over 200 deaths might be underestimated, as many people are still missing and cannot be accounted for. Families have lost multiple loved ones, and the true extent of the tragedy is yet to be fully grasped.
- *Politicization of Security*: Geoffrey accused politicians, including Governor Hyacinth Alia and President Bola Tinubu, of playing politics with the security issues in Benue State. He believes that the governor is trying to play safe, while the President's table is where the buck stops.
- *Herdsmen Still Grazing Openly*: Despite the 14-day ultimatum issued by traditional rulers for herdsmen to vacate the land, Geoffrey claims that armed herdsmen are still grazing their cattle openly across the state, even in communities where they have attacked and chased residents away.
- *Lack of Confidence in Security Agencies*: Geoffrey expressed concerns that the people have lost confidence in the military and other security agencies, citing instances where attacks have occurred despite the presence of security personnel.
Implications
The situation in Benue State remains critical, with many lives lost and communities displaced. The politicization of security issues and the lack of confidence in security agencies have exacerbated the crisis, highlighting the need for urgent action to address the root causes of the violence and ensure the safety of citizens.
What's Next?
The Benue State government and security agencies must work together to restore peace and security in the state. The federal government must also take decisive action to address the issue of herdsmen attacks and provide support to affected communities. The people of Benue State deserve a safe and secure environment, and it is the responsibility of those in power to ensure that this is achieved.
