The Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams, has issued a stark warning that the persistent killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria will continue unabated unless the Federal Government takes immediate steps to decentralize the country's security architecture.
In a statement released on Friday, Adams condemned the recent wave of violent attacks in Benue, attributing them to what he described as a failed centralized security structure that has proven ineffective in protecting citizens' lives and property.
"The time for a decentralized security system that allows for federal, state, and local government policing is now," Adams declared. "This is the only way to stop such mindless killings going on in Benue, and other such places where lives are taken out mindlessly by non-state actors and other marauders."
Root Causes of Violence
Adams identified several underlying factors contributing to the tragic incidents in Benue, which have resulted in hundreds of deaths, displacement of entire communities, and widespread destruction. These include Fulani herders' clashes, inadequate law enforcement, proliferation of arms, political neglect, and economic hardship.
He emphasized that prayers alone would not resolve the country's security challenges without decisive structural reforms. According to Adams, "The persistent nature of these killings not only violates the right to life enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution but also threatens national peace, security, and economic progress. It discourages foreign investment and further damages Nigeria's international image."
Call for Immediate Action
The Yoruba leader urged the Federal Government to implement immediate, multifaceted measures to protect lives and restore peace to affected communities. His recommendations include comprehensive security reform, reconciliation efforts, and sustainable development initiatives.
"The country must act now, or risk deeper national instability," he warned, highlighting the urgency of addressing the security situation before it deteriorates further.
The recurring violence in Benue State has remained a significant challenge for both state and federal authorities, with numerous communities suffering attacks that have disrupted agricultural activities and displaced thousands of residents.
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