The Jama’atu Nasril Islam has strongly condemned the recent killings in Benue, expressing deep pain and disturbance over the loss of innocent lives.

The condemnation is contained in a statement issued by the JNI secretary-general, Khalid Aliyu, on Monday in Kaduna.

“The JNI, under the leadership of Sultan of Sokoto  Sa’ad Abubakar, is deeply pained and genuinely disturbed by the renewed spate of gruesome killings and bloodletting in parts of Benue State, where scores of innocent and defenceless citizens have been unjustly massacred.

“How long will such senseless killings continue to occur on Nigerian soil? Why has it remained so difficult to security agencies in preempting such catastrophic occurrences in our national lives,” he said.

JNI described the killings as a barbaric act, inhumane, ungodly, and a complete betrayal of our common values as human beings.

Mr Aliyu said the sanctity of human life is sacrosanct and must not be toyed with.

“JNI appreciates the efforts of security agencies. We are, however, constrained to express our displeasure at their often reactive posture,” said Mr Aliyu.

“It has become a recurring pattern for security operatives to arrive only after the damage has been done. Security must be intelligence-driven, proactive, and prompt if we are to avert future recurrences, which is invariably becoming normalised.

“We call on all relevant stakeholders – government at all levels, religious bodies, civil society organisations, and community leaders, to come together in synergy and sincerity to end this repeated avoidable carnage. Enough is enough.

“Our collective silence or indifference may only serve to embolden the enemies of peace and national unity in Nigeria,” he said.

(NAN)