Otukpo killings: David Mark blows hot, warns natives might be forced to defend themselves
2 min read
…Tasks security agencies to end the organised, premeditated action
By Ben Adanu
A former Senate President, Senator David Mark has declared that the ongoing deadly attacks in parts of Benue State cannot be said to be ordinary or accidental, but an organised and premeditated action.
Senator Mark, while condemning the mindless killings through a statement issued by Paul Mumeh, his Special Adviser , warned the natives might be forced to defend themselves.
Senator Mark, who stated this while condemning in strong terms another attack on Otobi-Akpa, Emichi in Otukpo Local Government Area and Utonkon in Ado Local Government Area in Benue state by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen, warned that the natives can no longer stand to watch their people killed needlessly for no just cause.
No fewer than 15 persons were reported killed during the invasion by the armed men on Tuesday night in Otobi – Akpa, Emichi and Utonkon communities.
A worried Senator Mark over the incessant attacks that have left in its trail, scores of deaths and properties destroyed said enough is enough.
He specifically said it was time the communities begin to organise themselves into vigilante groups to halt further invasion by the murderers.
Senator Mark tasked security operatives to rise up to challenge to arrest the perpetrators and bring them to justice forthwith.
According to Mark; “The situation in parts of Benue state today cannot be said to be ordinary or accidental. It seems to me that it is an organised and premeditated action. We can no longer stand to watch our people killed needlessly for no just cause.
“In as much as our people should accommodate others in our communities, we must as a matter of necessity differentiate between legitimate residents and invaders,” he stressed.
Senator Mark, however, urged the people to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives in the task of restoring peace and order in the troubled communities.
Senator Mark commiserated with families of the victims and prayed that almighty God grant the deceased eternal rest.
