Femi Falana, a prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action to stop the ongoing violence, killings, and abductions of innocent civilians, especially in Benue and Plateau States, calling the situation both preventable and unacceptable.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, April 7, Falana, who leads the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), condemned the persistent attacks by armed herders and gunmen targeting vulnerable communities.
He acknowledged the swift response of security forces after the recent tragic killings in Uromi, Edo State, where 14 suspects were apprehended quickly.
He also commended the efforts of Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, who traveled to Kano to meet with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the families of the victims. Governor Okpebholo assured that the families would receive financial compensation.
“The quick arrest of suspects and intervention by both the Edo and Federal Governments was crucial in calming the situation and preventing further violence,” Falana noted.
Despite the positive response in Edo State, Falana expressed disappointment that a similar level of urgency has not been applied to the killings in Benue and Plateau, where numerous lives have been lost in repeated attacks.
He reiterated that the Federal Government has a constitutional obligation to safeguard lives and must act decisively to bring those responsible for the violence to justice.
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“The Federal Government must take responsibility for identifying and prosecuting those behind the horrific killings in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of the country,” he emphasized.
Falana also urged the Attorneys-General of Edo, Benue, and Plateau States to ensure that individuals currently in custody are promptly charged in court to avoid further breakdowns in law and order.
The human rights lawyer further questioned why security forces, who are deployed in large numbers during elections, cannot be similarly mobilised to protect citizens on a daily basis.
“If law enforcement can be rapidly mobilised during elections, the same should apply to the safety of citizens every day,” he pointed out.
Additionally, Falana called on state governments to encourage citizens to collaborate with law enforcement by sharing vital intelligence.
“For true security to be achieved, the Nigerian state must earn the trust and cooperation of its people. We cannot remain passive while our citizens continue to suffer from killings and abductions,” he stressed.