The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has expressed grave concern over the recent killings in Benue State, stating that the violence has the capacity to erode public confidence in the nation-state and negatively impact Nigeria's international image.
In a statement issued by NUJ National Secretary, Achike Chude, the union condemned the horrific killings of over 100 innocent citizens in Benue State that have shocked the world in recent days.
"These killings, coming on the heels of other violent tragedies that have led to the gruesome loss of lives have the capacity to erode public confidence in the nation-state, and negatively impact the international image of Nigeria," the statement read.
Constitutional Obligation to Protect Citizens
The NUJ emphasized that Nigeria needs her citizens to believe in the government's capacity to keep them safe and secure, noting that this is the most basic responsibility of the state as enshrined in Section 2 of the 1999 Federal Constitution as amended.
The union observed that various governments across political lines have struggled ineffectively to fulfill this crucial obligation over the past 15 years.
"We refuse to believe that the Nigerian State has lost the ability to protect both her territories and her peoples. We refuse to believe that a country that sacrificed the lives of her soldiers to ensure lasting peace abroad in Liberia and Sierra Leone now lacks the will and ability to defend the homestead," the statement continued.
Call for Decisive Action
The NUJ described the Benue killings as "one more killing too many" that must provoke sufficient national outrage to galvanize nationwide sentiments of defiance and challenge against all perpetrators of violence, whether they be terrorists, bandits, unknown gunmen, kidnappers, or herdsmen.
The union welcomed statements of condemnation from prominent Nigerians, particularly from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and his directive to service chiefs to end these attacks and bring perpetrators to justice.
However, the NUJ noted that similar calls have been made by various heads of government over the years whenever such attacks occur, emphasizing that "We need a different outcome this time around."
Community Involvement in Security
While expressing grief with the government and people of Benue State, the NUJ stated its readiness to work with the Federal Government and security agencies in any meaningful and lawful capacity to halt the violence.
The union suggested that if the Nigerian State through its security agencies can no longer protect citizens, then communities should be incorporated into security networks for self-defense. "To do less is to continue to subject vulnerable communities to mass suicide," the statement concluded.
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