Former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, has appealed to the assailants involved in the Benue killings not to undermine the value of life.

He described the incessant killings in parts of the state as sad and frustrating, despite constant peace talks between indigenes and the Fulani herdsmen in the area.

Recently, assailants believed to be Fulani herdsmen gruesomely murdered about 26 indigenes of the Omusu community in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State in cold blood.

Reacting to the incident, David Mark likened it to a “war without end” defying all peaceful approaches.

In a statement released by his Media assistant, Paul Mummeh, the lawmaker said: “I’m aware of various peace initiatives over the incessant clashes resulting to loss of lives and property. That the killings continue unabated is something beyond the ordinary.

“Let me once again appealed to the assailants to sheathe their swords and allow peace to reign. Whichever side of the divide and whatever vocation you are engaged in, no progress can be made in a crisis-ridden environment.”

Senator Mark bemoaned the degenerating cases security situation in the country, saying, “from abduction of innocent school girls in Dapchi, numerous cases of kidnapping to outright terrorism against unsuspecting citizens, the situation is frustrating.

“We must all make concerted efforts to achieve peace in our communities. Our security agencies should rise up to the challenges and protect lives and property. Life is sacred and we must not take it for granted.”

Senator Mark tasked the government to do more in terms of ensuring justice, fairness and peace to all concerned.

“This, certainly, is not part of our culture or way of life. We must all join hands to end this calamity and change the narrative for good,” he said.

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