…calls for trauma counselling, victims support
The Executive Director, Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN), Dr. Timipere Allison on Wednesday called on President Bola Tinubu and the federal government to take decisive and sustained action and adopt community-driven conflict prevention strategies.
He said the call became imperative in the wake of the gruesome killing of over 150 civilians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government area of Benue State.
In a statement signed by the Dr Allison and made available to the press by Director of Communication, Professor Oludayo Tade, the CORN Director asked the president to ensure that trauma support and assistance is provided to survivors and the families of the victims.
He noted that “the ability of non-state actors to terrorise communities with impunity exposes deepening weaknesses in the state’s security apparatus adding that this climate of lawlessness emboldens perpetrators, who continue to destroy lives and undermine national stability.”
He then advised President Tinubu to ensure protection for vulnerable communities across Benue and beyond.
While calling for the conduct of a prompt, transparent investigation and bring perpetrators to justice, the CORN Director tasked the president to allocate adequate resources to strengthen the Nigeria Police, Military, and State Security Services for effective response and the protection of human life.
CORN West Africa commends all state and non-state actors working to bring peace and stability to the North-Central region of Nigeria.
Providing insights into the data at the disposal of the research network, Dr Allison stated that “Our (CORN’s) research has shown that the absence of law enforcement in communities creates the conditions for non-state armed groups to carry out these heinous crimes against citizens living in rural areas of the Middle-Belt.
“This calls for a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s security architecture. This new structure must include a level of security that is embedded in communities. This security structure must also be integrated into the justice system to ensure that not only law and order is maintained, but the rule of law is applied when crimes are committed in rural communities.
“Using our extensive research network, CORN will continue to work alongside civil society organisations, community leaders, policymakers, and other stakeholders to promote peace, justice, reconciliation, and the protection of human dignity across Nigeria.”
According to the CORN Boss, “The management and members of Conflict Research Network West Africa (CORN) are deeply shocked by the gruesome killing of at least 150 civilians in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
“This senseless attack, one of many in the escalating wave of violence that has ravaged North-Central Nigeria, reveals a catastrophic failure by the government to safeguard its citizens. We unequivocally condemn this heinous act. Such atrocities not only target innocent individuals but threaten the collective security and future of the Nigerian state.
“The brutal killing of children, women, and the elderly, along with the destruction of homes, food supplies, and communal infrastructure, constitutes a gross violation of fundamental human rights and a breach of international humanitarian norms.”
