- Mark urged the Federal Government to act against killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau
- He called for stronger security operations and rescue of abducted victims
- Mark warned that continued inaction could worsen insecurity across affected communities
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has urged the Federal Government to urgently step up efforts to address the increasing cases of killings and abductions in Benue and Plateau states.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Mark made the appeal in a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, following reports of deadly attacks that claimed several lives in both states.
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The former Senate President reacted to the killing of about 16 residents in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State and another nine people in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by suspected armed groups.
He also raised alarm over the reported abduction of passengers travelling in a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo–Taraku–Makurdi route, where gunmen allegedly forced passengers into the bush.
Describing the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, Mark said the continued violence posed a serious threat to national security and the safety of citizens.
He stressed that protecting lives and property remains a fundamental duty of government, warning that failure to respond firmly to repeated attacks could encourage criminal elements to continue their activities.
Mark called on security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Police, and the Department of State Services, to intensify operations against those responsible for the attacks.
He urged authorities to improve intelligence gathering, increase monitoring of vulnerable communities and highways, and deploy more personnel to areas identified as security hotspots.
The ADC chairman also appealed for immediate rescue efforts to secure the release of passengers abducted from the Benue Links bus, while demanding that the perpetrators be tracked down and prosecuted.
He said no community should be left at the mercy of violent groups, urging the Federal Government to treat the security challenges in Benue and Plateau with greater urgency.
Mark further encouraged the Benue State Government, traditional institutions, religious bodies and community leaders to work closely with security agencies by providing useful information that could help prevent future attacks.
While acknowledging the importance of collective efforts in tackling insecurity, he maintained that the government bears the primary responsibility of ensuring the safety of citizens.
He condoled with families who lost loved ones in the attacks and expressed hope that those abducted would regain their freedom safely.
The latest incidents have renewed concerns over worsening insecurity in Nigeria’s North-Central region, where repeated attacks have resulted in loss of lives, displacement of residents and disruption of economic activities.
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