Coalition Writes Buhari, NSA Over Alleged Use of Benue Guards by Council Boss as Political Killer Squad
- President Muhammadu Buhari and the heads of Nigeria's security agencies have been urged to disband the Benue State Volunteer Guards
- The call was made to the president, the inspector general of police and the National Security Adviser by the Benue Coalition on Human Rights
- Accoridng to the coalition, the guards are now been used as political killer squads against opponents in the build up of the 2023 general election
The Benue Coalition on Human Rights (BCHR) has alerted President Muhammadu Buhari and the inspector general of police, Baba Usman, of the alleged criminal activities of Benue State Volunteer Guards.
Coalition in a letter written to the president, the IGP alleged that the Benue guards are working under the command of the chairman of the Ado local government area in the state.
Source: Depositphotos
In the letter co-signed by Reverend Solomon Semaka and Okwori Onaji, its president and secretary general, the coalition also alleged that Oche has been using the guards to intimidate and harass perceived political opponents across the state.
The duo also alleged that 50 youths have been trained to carry out various criminal bidding under the guise of volunteer guards.
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They added that the council boss has been fingered in some of the attacks that decimated communities with his militias posing as bandits, herdsmen or unknown gunmen.
The letter read in parts:
"We have attached petitions made to law enforcement organizations in this regard in order not to bore you with the horrific details of what these victims suffered at the hands of the militia group that is rapidly mutating into a full-blown terror organization.
"It, however, warned that if not curtailed, they may metamorphose into another radical terrorist group
"The Benue Coalition on Human Rights is speaking up on this matter because we are witnesses to how stakeholders in Borno state are today being blamed for keeping quiet while the then-infamous ECOMOG Boy transited into Boko Haram/ISWAP.
"The argument is that had the stakeholders raised the alarm early enough the terrorist group would have been contained in its infancy before it became as virulent as it is currently."
The coalition further appealed to the president and other heads of security agencies across the country to use their office to dismantle the Benue Volunteers Guard before it becomes another crisis group for Nigeria.
Stealing LG funds: Powerful south south governor issues strong warning to Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari had earlier been cautioned against laying blanket allegations against governors.
The warning was issued to the president by the governor of Delta state, Ifeanyi Okowa, on Friday, December 2.
According to the governor, it is unfortunate for the president to make a blanket statement that governors are stealing funds meant for local government areas.
Obasanjo decries Nigeria's failure to live up to it's title as giant of Africa
Meanwhile, Olusegun Obasanjo is not happy with the way things are going with Nigeria's economy and the people.
The ex-president said the country has continued to disappoint the world and Africa by not living up to expectations.
According to Obasanjo, there is a need for leaders and Nigerians alike to appreciate the abundant resources bestowed on the country.
Source: Legit.ng
