A Benue State gubernatorial aspirant, Dr. Simon Ater has condemned the incessant killings and kidnappings across Benue communities.
He described the situation as “one too many tragedies that must no longer be tolerated.”
Dr. Ater expressed deep sorrow over the latest attack in Achakpa community in Daudu, where more than three persons lost their lives and several others abducted.
He lamented that the attacks come only weeks after over 200 lives were lost in Yelwata.
“It is heartbreaking that just a few kilometers away from Yelwata where over 200 of our brothers and sisters were massacred, fresh blood has been spilled again in Achakpa. How much more suffering must our people endure before decisive action is taken?” Dr. Ater questioned.
He criticised the Benue State government under Governor Hyacinth Alia for what he described as “gross insensitivity to the plight of grieving families.”
“At a time when our people are mourning, when children are being orphaned and families displaced, this government is shamelessly preparing to host a carnival in October. This is not only an insult to the dead, but also a betrayal of the living who now live in fear every day,” Dr. Ater said.
He further decried the worsening insecurity along major roads leading to Makurdi, as the indigenes took to the streets to protest the recent killings and these left motorists and commuters stranded and vulnerable.
Dr. Ater reminded the state government of its foremost duty to secure lives and property.
“The primary responsibility of any instituted government is to protect its people. Benue must be liberated from these ceaseless bloodbaths. Enough is enough. Our people deserve peace, dignity, and safety in their ancestral land,” he stated.
Dr. Ater called on Governor Alia to act decisively.
“The Governor must rise to the occasion, marshal all necessary resources, and demonstrate the political will to stop these evil acts. The time for excuses is over. Our people cannot continue to die while the government looks the other way,” he said.
Dr. Ater assured the people of Benue that his aspiration to lead the state in 2027 was driven by an unshakable commitment to restore security, dignity, and prosperity to every community.
“We must reclaim our state from the grip of fear. Our people must be liberated. This is one tragedy too many and it must stop,” he explained.
Dr. Ater Simon is a humanitarian, youth ambassador, and community leader from Benue State is the founder of the AterSimon Foundation, an organisation dedicated to youth empowerment, health outreach, and community development.
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