Former House of Representatives member Mark Gbillah has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu's recent directive asking Benue residents to reconcile with those responsible for killings in the state, suggesting that such a statement implies the president knows the identity of the attackers.
Speaking on Arise Television's Morning Show on Monday, Gbillah rejected the characterization of the violence as "reprisal attacks" and expressed concern that the president might be receiving inaccurate information about the situation in Benue State.
"If you say, seek harmonious relationship and have reconciliation meetings, that means, Mr. President, you know who has attacked us. That means the governor knows who has attacked us and is supposed to call them together for a meeting," Gbillah stated.
President's Directive and Governor's Response
President Tinubu had earlier instructed Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia to convene reconciliation meetings among warring parties amid ongoing killings in the state allegedly perpetrated by suspected herdsmen. This directive was communicated through a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
Governor Alia, appearing on Channels Television on Monday, supported the president's position, describing the attacks as possible reprisals by armed herders entering from neighboring Nasarawa State through established routes.
Gbillah Challenges Official Narrative
Gbillah vehemently disputed this characterization, stating: "There is no such thing as reprisal attacks. I will repeat for the umpteenth time. These are premeditated, unprovoked attacks against the people."
The former lawmaker expressed frustration over what he perceives as inadequate response to the security situation, noting that security forces that were quick to confront peaceful protesters have been unable to effectively address the killings.
"We saw helicopters hovering over protesters, helicopters that we did not see go to Gwer West and intercept the people," he remarked, highlighting what he sees as misplaced priorities in security deployment.
Addressing the president directly, Gbillah said: "Mr. President, I want to use this opportunity to emphasize the fact that there's a war against people in a part of your country."
He added that after two years of waiting for effective intervention from both federal and state authorities, concerned citizens could no longer remain silent about the situation.
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