Former Senate President David Mark has condemned the killings in Benue State, emphasising the risk that residents might resort to self-defence.

Mr Mark described the killings in Benue as “senseless, tragic and unacceptable”, calling on President Bola Tinubu to promptly fulfil his constitutional responsibility of guaranteeing safety.

Decrying the number of lives and properties that have been lost to the continuous incident, Mr Mark expressed worries that citizens could resort to self-defence if the situation is left unaddressed.

“This is the unfortunate reality the Benue people are confronted with. Government must rise to its responsibility or risk leaving the people with no option but to defend themselves. Any deviation from this mandate constitutes a gross disservice to the people,” Mr Mark said in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Paul Mumeh.

He charged the Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia, to intensify efforts towards restoring peace and sanity in the state.

Appealing to grassroots stakeholders, like traditional and community leaders, Mr Mark called for collaboration and compliance with existing laws.

“This is a trying moment for our people. We must unite, mobilise, and speak with one voice against the invaders. We must refuse to bow to fear. Despite the ongoing provocations, we must remain law-abiding, stay united, and uphold the enduring spirit of being our brothers’ keeper,” Mr Mark noted.