PWAN Calls For Urgent Action To Addresses Worsening Security Situation In Benue
By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse
The Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN) a Non Governmental Organization focusing on Rule of Law and Empowerment, has called for coordinated action at all levels of government to address the worsening security situation in Benue State.
This was contained in a press statement made available to The Syndicate by Mr. Ogechukwu Mohanye on behalf of the organisation.
It expressed deetp concern over the worsening security situation in state and the repeated violent attacks on innocent communities, which led to mass displacement and loss of lives and properties worth billions of Naira.
“PWAN condemns the persistent violent attacks on communities across the state often linked to armed herders and other criminal groups which have led to widespread displacement, loss of lives, and the destruction of livelihoods.
“The organization emphasized that the increasing frequency of these attacks highlights a troubling breakdown in preventive and responsive mechanisms within Nigeria’s security and governance structures.”
It criticized the continued failure of the country’s security architecture including the Nigeria Police Force, military, and intelligence agencies to effectively protect civilians or hold perpetrators accountable.
The statement noted the devastating impact of the crisis on vulnerable populations, including the thousands of women, children and elderly persons displaced, facing hunger, insecurity and exposed to various forms of violence and diseases.
PWAN drew attention to the rising cases of gender based violence including sexual exploitation especially among displaced women and girls.
The statement highlighted that the Benue violence will have broader implications for national food security.
“As Nigeria’s acclaimed ‘Food Basket’, the disruption of farming activities in Benue due to insecurity, forced migration and the destruction of agricultural resources poses a significant threat to food production and supply across the country.”
