Yemi Adedeji, Abuja
Abba Yaro, All Progressive Congress (APC) Chairman in Benue State has described the ruthless killings of over 50 people in the state by the Fulani herdsmen as an attempt to spark second civil war in Nigeria.
Yaro decried the recent massacre insisting that it was a clear case of ethnic cleansing around the Benue Valley which must be stopped immediately.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday , Yaro stated that the Anti Open Grazing Law in Benue is not targeted at any section of the people but for the general security of Benue State.
He explained that it was a measure against cattle rustling and a solution to herders/farmers perennial clash, maintaining that the implementation is ongoing.
“We are in support of our governor, we are not deterred, the Anti Open Grazing Law has come to stay.
“This is above Party politics, it is human lives, how can you kill a pregnant woman and removed the unborn child yet slaughtered it? It is barbaric, unspeakable and generally unpalatable.
“Nigerians should not see the killings as a Benue problem but National crisis, the absence of peace in Benue is an absence of peace in Nigeria. We must treat it as a national ethnic cleansing by the Fulanis and collectively pressurize Mr President to put an end to it. If Boko Haram can be defeated, IPOB stopped, Fulani killings can be stopped,” he added
He therefore called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately call the Fulani herdsmen to order and as well direct security agents to fetch out the killers.
He also called on all Benue sons and daughters, irrespective of party affiliation to rise in defense of Benue community, stressing that if the Fulanis are not called to order by the relevant authorities and stop the ethnic cleansing, Benue people shall take laws into their hands in self-defense.