By Our Reporter
In a powerful and emotionally charged statement, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph (popularly known as FADOJOE), a former presidential aspirant under the Labour Party and founder of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria, has condemned the recent spate of killings in Benue State, describing them as a direct assault on Nigeria’s unity, food security, and national stability.
FADOJOE expressed deep condolences to the victims and people of Benue State, lamenting what he called a “horrific massacre of innocent men, women, and children” in the heart of Nigeria’s Middle Belt. “Benue is bleeding,” he declared, calling for urgent national introspection and decisive action.
Benue’s Fragile Peace Shattered
The statement traces the roots of the crisis to a mix of government failure, betrayal by traditional rulers, political corruption, and historical tensions. Citing the killing of Terwase Akwaza (a.k.a. Gana) by state forces, FADOJOE noted that the event dismantled a delicate balance in the Sankera region, emboldening Fulani militias and destabilizing the area.
According to him, “traditional rulers have compromised their people’s safety by accepting cattle, cash, and political favours from herders,” while some politicians have armed local youths with dangerous charms and weapons to secure electoral victories, a move that backfires post-elections when these youths terrorize their communities.
A Failing Agricultural Backbone
FADOJOE warned that the ongoing violence threatens Nigeria’s entire food chain. As the nation’s “Food Basket,” Benue plays a pivotal role in agricultural production, including yam, cassava, and rice. However, with farmlands deserted and crops destroyed by cattle, food production has plunged.
“Farmlands lie abandoned, food production has plummeted, and hunger looms across Nigeria,” he said. “This is no longer a local issue. The collapse of Benue’s agriculture is the collapse of Nigeria’s economy.”
Youth unemployment and low literacy levels, he added, are worsening the situation, with many young men turning to banditry and rural terrorism as a means of survival.
Nasarawa’s Role Questioned
The statement pointed fingers at neighbouring Nasarawa State, which FADOJOE described as a “sanctuary for terrorists” who attack Benue before retreating. He warned that as long as Nasarawa continues to harbour armed militias, peace in Benue will remain elusive.
“This silent betrayal has caused untold losses,” he said. “Benue deserves leadership that prioritizes justice over ethnic loyalty.”
National Security at Stake
FADOJOE emphasized that the security of Benue State is integral to the security of Nigeria. He noted that rising food prices, scarcity, and widespread fear are direct consequences of the violence. “We cannot afford to lose the Food Basket of the Nation to terrorism and complacency,” he stated.
Military Response and Call for Vigilance
Reacting to the recent relocation of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, to Benue State, FADOJOE insisted that the move must be more than symbolic. He called for:
– Effective and honest deployment of troops
– Elimination of terrorist hideouts
– Intelligence-led patrols and aerial surveillance
– Zero tolerance for bribery and corruption at checkpoints
He further advocated for community empowerment through the establishment and support of local vigilante groups. “These are the people who understand the terrain,” he said, “and with the right training and resources, they can reclaim their communities.”
A Plea for Political Unity
The statement did not spare the state’s political elite, including former Governor Samuel Ortom, Governor Hyacinth Alia, George Akume, and Gabriel Suswam. FADOJOE accused them of allowing personal ambitions to weaken Benue’s collective resolve and called for an immediate end to internal rivalries.
“If Benue must stand, it must stand together,” he said.
Message to President Tinubu
Ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Benue on June 18, FADOJOE issued a direct appeal: “Come with open ears and an open heart. Let not your visit be a photo opportunity, but a turning point.”
He urged the President to:
– Deploy intelligent and committed officers
– Enforce anti-open grazing laws
– Install surveillance systems in vulnerable areas
– Ensure the presence of the Inspector General of Police in conflict zones
– Declare a State of Emergency if necessary
Conclusion: A Nation’s Call to Action
In a rallying cry to all Nigerians, FADOJOE concluded his statement with a passionate call: “Benue is not a battleground. It is a blessing to Nigeria – a cradle of agriculture, a land of resilience, and a symbol of hope. The killings must stop. The betrayals must end. The silence must be broken. This is a call for unity. A call for truth. A call for action.”
He ended with a poignant appeal:
“Defend Benue, and you defend Nigeria. Enough is enough.”
