The Senator representing Bayelsa West at the National Assembly, Senator Seriake Dickson, has extended his condolences to the Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, and officials of the Plateau State Government over the recent horrific massacres that occurred in communities within the two states.
In a statement, he expressed his deep sorrow, saying, “On behalf of my family, the good people of my Senatorial District, and all Nigerians of goodwill, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue and Plateau States over the gruesome and senseless killings that took place in the two states.”
Dickson pointed out that Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Southern Kaduna, and other states in the country have suffered immensely due to criminality, lawlessness, and brutality on a genocidal scale.
He condemned the incessant attacks by bandits, which he described as “a form of insurgency akin to what the northeastern part of the country experienced with Boko Haram.”
He added, “Not only are armed gunmen terrorizing and ransacking defenseless communities, but the level of banditry, kidnapping, and killings has reached alarming levels, surpassing the frequency and magnitude of past insurgencies.”
The senator emphasized that the country’s leadership and security forces must have a candid discussion and take swift, decisive actions. “It is crucial for our leadership and security agencies to sit down and have a sincere conversation on the way forward and implement strategies quickly,” Dickson said.
He identified several factors fueling the national security crisis, including resource competition leading to farmer-herder clashes, illegal mining, criminal displacement of indigenous people for land acquisition, climate change, and more.
Dickson acknowledged that while some of the violence is rooted in criminality, there is a persistent issue of clashes between herders and farmers. “This has become a national security issue that must be tackled without ethnic, religious, or political bias.”
He further mentioned that during a Senate session, he had advocated for the implementation of mandatory ranching, support for herders, and a nationwide prohibition of open grazing. “We must establish mechanisms for compulsory ranching and support policies for livestock, herders, and other agribusinesses across the country.”
The senator also highlighted the need for stronger security measures, including coordinated efforts between security agencies and community leaders, to combat the bandits and criminals. He concluded by urging the government to enforce the prohibition of open grazing nationwide.
“It is unacceptable for people to be attacked, maimed, or killed, and for communities to be destroyed without consequences. This is a sign of state failure and collapse,” Dickson said.
In the coming days, Dickson pledged to raise these critical security issues with the relevant authorities.
