Governments of Benue, Nasarawa, and Plateau States have agreed to partner through their emergency response agencies to tackle the region’s worsening insecurity, especially repeated herdsmen-related violence.
The decision followed a recent joint media briefing held in Makurdi.
Ben Akwash, Director-General of the Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, said he and his counterpart from Plateau State were in Benue to express sympathy following the recent mass killings in Yelewata.
“Besides Nasarawa being an immediate neighbour to Benue, both states were under Plateau,” Akwash said.
“We are in the state not only to commiserate with the government and the people, but to rub minds on how best to forestall future attacks.”
He asked for divine protection for the displaced and urged both Nasarawa and Benue to strengthen security at camps hosting Internally Displaced Persons.
Also speaking, Sunday Abdul, Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, condemned the mass killings in Yelewata, describing them as a shared North Central tragedy.
“The Yelewata killings is an evil that befell North Central states,” he said.
“What happened in Yelewata is happening in Southern Kaduna, Taraba and parts of Nasarawa, acts which are wicked.”
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He encouraged the affected communities in Benue to remain strong.
“Have faith, God will continue to be on your side,” he said, urging Nigerians and the international community to “pray for the North Central for peace to reign in the zone.”
Welcoming the officials, Dr. James Iorpuu, Executive Secretary of the Benue State Emergency Management Agency, said the state had endured consistent violence for over a decade.
“The state had been under siege since 2011,” he said.
“Attacks and killings are increasing on a daily basis.”
He described the Yelewata killings as “wicked” and disclosed that 107 victims were still receiving treatment. Iorpuu thanked the visiting officials for their show of solidarity.