The Grassroots Center for Rights and Civic Orientation has strongly condemned the latest massacre in Benue State, where over 200 residents of Yelewata community were reportedly slain by suspected terrorists over the weekend.
In a passionate statement signed by its Executive Director, Armsfree Ajanaku, the Center described the attack as a “mindless slaughter” and a painful reminder of Nigeria’s repeated failure to secure vulnerable communities.
Key Quotes from the Statement:
“The mindless slaughter of people in Yelewata community is one too many. It is unacceptable that life has become so cheap in Nigeria. Now is the time for those charged with securing the nation to put on their thinking caps and end the bloodbath.”
“It appears that investigation, arrest, and prosecution of perpetrators are not even on the table. These killers commit their evil acts and disappear, while law enforcement simply waits for the next strike.”
Criticism of Government’s Security Strategy
The group accused Nigerian security agencies of operating in a “flat-footed and sluggish” manner, emphasizing that:
- Attacks follow predictable patterns but remain unprevented
- Security forces often arrive after the damage is done
- Prosecution and accountability for attackers are virtually nonexistent
The Center referenced similar patterns of violence in Plateau, Edo, and other rural states, where terrorist assaults often go unpunished, fostering a culture of impunity.
Call for a New Strategy
The organization called for:
- Innovative and proactive security reforms
- Stronger intelligence gathering to preempt attacks
- Rapid response units in vulnerable areas
- A serious commitment to investigating, arresting, and prosecuting perpetrators
Solidarity with Victims
The Grassroots Center extended its sympathies to grieving families, urging Nigerians to keep the victims in their prayers and stand in solidarity against “the erosion of human dignity” in affected regions.
