By Kolawole Ojebisi
A former Senate President, David Mark, has urged President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State to rise to their basic responsibility of protecting lives and property by proferring a lasting solution to the killings ravaging State.
Mark, a retired Army Brigadier-General and also a former minister of Communications during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, expressed concern that the people and residents of the state may be left with no option but to resort to self-defense if the government fails to fulfil its constitutional responsibility.
The former Senate President stated this in a statement issued by his media aide, Paul Mumeh, on Monday.
According to the statement, Mark described the wave of attacks and killings across Benue communities as “senseless, tragic, and unacceptable.”
“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.
“Any deviation from this mandate constitutes a gross disservice to the people,” he added.
He expressed deep solidarity with the people of Benue, encouraging them to stand united in the face of adversity.
Mark said: “This is a trying moment for our people.
“We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear.”
While acknowledging the pain and provocation that victims have endured, Mark urged residents to remain law-abiding and not take the law into their own hands, but rather continue to exhibit the values of resilience, peace, and communal support.
“Despite the ongoing provocations, we must remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being our brothers’ keeper,” Mark concluded.
