The YES Nigeria Movement has condemn the gruesome killings in Benue communities and other locations in the country by Fulani herdsmen, calling on the Federal Government to urgently put an end to the mass killings.

The group recalled that the people of Benue State were greeted with a horrible black New Year from the January 1-3, 2018, with the killing of pregnant women, children and the aged.

Accordingly, the Movement stated that the people who are identified as Fulani herdsmen, from the sophistication of their arms, and professionalism of their attacks qualify more to be addressed and declared as terrorists.

It stressed that the Federal Government should without further delay, declare the attackers as criminals as their actions are more of terrorism than mere herdsmen as widely believed.

The group also said: “Benue people who are being killed should not be called peasant farmers as the killing included even small children, pregnant women and old people who can neither farm nor fight for farmland.”

It described as more worrisome, “the continued silence by those who the electorate see as their protectors such as the elites, traditional rulers and particularly, the representatives from the three senatorial zones and political class until so much pressure was mounted by concerned Nigerians.”

The Movement expressed the view that “the present temporary calm in the areas is not enough to maintain permanent peace and security in affected places and areas but a thorough investigation be carried out in order to identify the real owners of the cattle, and ascertain the true identities of the attackers.

“Nigerians should know that cattle business is the same with every other businesses in Nigeria, and therefore, must operate within the laws and regulations binding on all legal businesses in Nigeria.”

It called on the President, to, as a matter of urgency, consider the pains of innocent people and adequately compensate them for the losses as a result of the attacks, and to ensure that no further attacks is carried out in all affected areas in the state, or any other part of the country.

The Movement also expresses dissatisfaction with the attitude of Benue youths for stoning the Executive Governor of the state while trying to address them during their peaceful protest over the killings. It advised that two wrongs cannot make a right as no Governor will be happy about such gruesome murders against his people.

Additionally, the group called on the Federal Government to halt and bring to an end the current fuel scarcity in the country, create gainful employments for the youths and improve on all social amenities, including particularly security, roads, electricity, water and quality healthcare delivery across the country.

“The Federal Government should also enforce the reduction of the prices of commodities and transportation to make life easier and more meaningful for Nigerians.

“We call on all Nigerians to put aside religious, ethnic, social and geographical differences and let’s live together in unity and progress collectively. Let’s pledge our loyalty, solidarity and commitments to making Nigeria great again.

“We call on the youths to shun cultism, thuggery and all forms of vices that are detrimental to the peace and unity of Nigeria.”

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