Newsie Events:
Former Senate President David Mark has called on the federal government to officially label armed herdsmen as terrorists, citing their continued attacks and destruction of communities across the country.
He stressed the need for President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take more proactive steps in addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.
In a statement delivered through his media adviser, Paul Mumeh, during the Easter celebration in Kano, Mark condemned the unrelenting violence, particularly in Plateau and Benue states, where lives and properties have been repeatedly lost to armed attacks.
Mark said the wave of kidnappings and killings carried out by armed herdsmen has become deeply troubling, and urged the government to confront the situation head-on.
He argued that any group involved in murder and displacement of innocent people should be declared terrorists and treated accordingly.
“We must be honest with ourselves. If they’re not terrorists, then why are they killing people and destroying entire communities?” he asked, expressing outrage over the continued attacks, which he believes are orchestrated by these armed groups.
He further condemned open grazing, especially in the Middle Belt, calling on the federal government to ban it entirely.
Instead, he advocated for modern ranching systems, as practiced in other parts of the world, to reduce conflicts between farmers and herders.
Having witnessed attacks near his own home in Otukpo, Benue State, Mark emphasized the need for an inclusive and comprehensive security approach.
He proposed the creation of a National Border Security Force (NBSF) to prevent the unchecked entry of suspected criminals into Nigeria, particularly through the country’s porous borders.
“Our borders are too open. These attackers exploit that weakness. We need to rethink our strategy—maybe even consider fencing our borders like India, Israel, or the U.S.,” he suggested.
He added that the proposed Border Security Force would not only guard Nigeria’s frontiers but also take on the task of combating terrorism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes.
Mark concluded by sympathizing with the people of Plateau and Benue states, and all others who have lost loved ones to the violence.
(NAN)
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