From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Forum of Ayatutu Professors, FAP has lamented over excess focus on politics and elections at the detriment of security of lives of Nigerians.
The Forum made the lamentation in a statement on Saturday signed by Tor Joe Iorapuu, Chairman, Board of Trustees & Council of Management and Simon Verlumun Irtwange Secretary, Board of Trustees & Council of Management.
The Forum expressed concerns over focus on politics rather than security of lives, describing it as an insult to the collective sensibilities of the Nigerian voters.
It called on the Federal Government to rise to its responsibilities of securing its citizens, averring that the Federal Government should translate rhetoric into visible actions that give citizens a sense of belonging.
FAP said a situation where citizens are attacked and there are jamborees of visits without concrete sustainable plans is unacceptable, maintaining that these citizens need freedom and security, not political rhetoric.
“Therefore, FAP calls on the Federal and State governments to improve border security in their respective states and the nation at large. It is not enough to spread police, the army or the Civilian Joint Task Force or vigilantes on federal highways to harass citizens without results. The army and the police are stationed at Yelwata, and yet a brutal massacre of that magnitude occurred. The Jebbu community in Riyom Plateau State barely a kilometre from a major military check point, and the neighboring community suffered an attack without help from the army.
“FAP demands compensation for all victims of attack in Benue, Plateau and Southern Kaduna to be fully compensated. FAP also demands that Benue, Plateau and Communities in Southern Kaduna must be included in the country’s Humanitarian Response Plan, while the North Central Development Commission must support the renewal of livelihoods in these states and the protection of crop farmers from further attacks by the terrorists.
“FAP condoles the people of Yelwata, the Governor, and the entire people of
Benue that have continued to suffer injustice, mass atrocities and annihilation in the hands of terrorists.
“FAP expresses its solidarity with His Excellency, the Governor of Benue State,
Rev Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, over his recent call for the establishment of
State Police. Indeed, past governors and civil society activists have been on this
matter of state police since the outbreak of violence in Plateau State. Nigeria’s current population is enough reason to introduce State Policing. The number of the Nigerian Police and the army combined cannot handle the many ungoverned spaces spread across Nigeria and its territorial space. By implication Nigeria’s sovereignty is under threat. The activities of Boko Haram and the so-called bandits that attack Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger States are examples.
“FAP calls for a strong commitment and understanding between the current Governors of Benue and Nassarawa States and the people. Interior growth is only possible when we commit ourselves to and with others. Benue State and Nasarawa State governments and by extension its people, must exhibit real friendship. That friendship where we can say exactly what we feel, knowing that we will be listened to, encouraged and confirmed in love and tenderness, will be a great resource for both states.
“FAP challenges all citizens to become responsible for their communities. It is a
cross that everyone in Benue, Plateau and Southern Kaduna must take. The cross is to remind each other that the community belongs to them.
“FAP calls on relevant international agencies to investigate the deliberate
annihilation of citizens in Nigeria especially in Central Nigeria where it has persisted for decades.
“In conclusion, FAP submits that, no matter how long this evil is denied, no matter how long the language of genocide is resisted, there are acts of displacements and mass atrocities perpetrated on the people of Benue, Plateau and Southern Kaduna. The Federal Government and the sub-nationals have a fundamental and non-negotiable constitutional responsibility to provide security of lives and properties”, the statement read.
