Mark warns govt: Residents will resort to self-defence over Benue killings

Mark

Amid worsening insecurity in Benue State, a former Senate President, David Mark, has raised the alarm over the continuous killings in the state, warning that residents may be left with no option but to defend themselves if the government fails in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property.

Mark disclosed this in a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, on Sunday in Abuja, as he described the wave of attacks and killings across Benue communities as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable.”

He cautioned that the deteriorating security situation has reached a tipping point, where citizens may soon resort to self-help to stay alive.

“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with.

“Government must rise to its responsibility, or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves,” Mark said.

The former Senate President lamented the sustained loss of lives and destruction of property in the state, reiterating that the foremost duty of any government is to ensure the safety and welfare of its citizens.

“Any deviation from this mandate constitutes a gross disservice to the people,” he added.

“That is leadership with compassion. That is leadership that understands the value of human life. But here in Nigeria, we have normalised leadership without empathy, without accountability, and without a human face.

“That is why I insist: Nigeria does not just need another president; Nigeria needs a leader, a leader with competence, capacity, character, and compassion. Until we choose leaders on these principles, the cycle of pain will only continue.” Vanguard