Olaojo Temitope Vincent, a Canada-based lawyer and CEO of WhiteRock Energy Resources, has condemned the recent massacre in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State, describing it as barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable in any civilized society.
Reacting to the attack, which reportedly claimed over 200 lives and left numerous others injured and displaced, Olaojo expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy.
He particularly sympathised with the widows and orphans left in its wake.
He called on the government to offer generous compensation to affected families and rebuild the destroyed homes and community infrastructure.
Olaojo also criticized the delayed response of security operatives, both before and after the killings, urging service chiefs to act swiftly in apprehending the perpetrators and ensuring justice is served to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
In his recommendations, he urged the federal, state, and local governments to establish grassroots peace and security committees.
He also advocated for the issuance of a comprehensive white paper to tackle both the immediate and underlying causes of such violent attacks.
“Without a strategic, documented roadmap to peace, we are merely postponing the next crisis,” he added.
He praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unannounced visit to the victims at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital in Makurdi, calling it a rare display of empathy and leadership.
“President Tinubu has made history as the first Nigerian President to personally visit victims of such attacks in their hospital beds. That human aspect of governance must be applauded,” he stated.
Olaojo also stressed the need for enhanced collaboration among the federal, state, and local governments to create a sustainable approach for preventing reprisal attacks and building trust among diverse communities in the region.
“Beyond reactive measures, we need proactive intelligence and swift response mechanisms. We cannot continue to mourn our citizens this way,” he concluded.
Source; The Nation News
