Archbishop of All Nations Evangelism Dr Yimam Orkwar has expressed sadness over the attack and murder of six of her members in Gwer West local government area of Benue State by armed men suspected to be herdsmen.
He called on the government to rise to its responsibility of securing the life and property of citizens.
Dr Orkwar, who is also the president of the Christian Association of Clergies, stated this in a communique issued at the end of the Word of Faith Ministers Convention at Faith Cathedral Makurdi.
The cleric said security is paramount, as infrastructural development is meaningful only when citizens are alive to enjoy the infrastructure provided.
According to him, “Synod views the efforts by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to enact a law to address the prolonged conflict between farmers and herders as a welcome development and calls on well-meaning Nigerians to support the present effort.
“A ban on open grazing and provision of ranches and establishment of a commission to regulate control of ranches is long overdue, and the assignment should be handled with every sense of patriotism, equity and fairness.
“Synod also appeal to the government to as a matter of urgent concern, look into the condition of over two million Benue indigenes currently in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs’) camps in several local government areas of the state and other Nigerians who are in similar situations in other states of the federation”
While calling on the government at all levels to take deliberate steps to genuinely alleviate the people’s sufferings and give Nigerians a better standard of living, Dr Orkwar lamented that Synod observed how Nigerians are groaning under heavy burdens to survive the present economic realities, which has left many helpless.
“The Synod further appreciates the recent efforts by the present administration to combat the menace of armed bandits in the Sankara axis of Benue State and urges the government to intensify efforts and strengthen the security architecture in the area.
