The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide decried the waves of killings in Benue state, urging the Federal and State governments to end the bloodshed immediately.

The apex Igbo socio-political association made the call in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, and made available to newsmen in Enugu.

According to the statement, Ohanaeze unreservedly condemns the horrifying massacre of over 100 people and the burning of houses by gunmen, who reportedly invaded Yelewata community in the early hours of Saturday.

“The deadly night attack, which has caused massive displacement, in addition to the loss of innocent lives and property, is seen by Ohanaeze as callous, inhuman, and unacceptable.

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“Human life remains sacrosanct, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or social status.

“This idea of ruthless mass bloodletting at any slightest provocation is ungodly and antithetical to national conviviality in a multi-ethnic country as ours,” Chukwu stated.

He added that Ohanaeze decried the prolonged inability of government and security agencies to stem the escalation of attacks in Benue and other parts of the country.

The statement explained that there would be dire consequences if the incessant attacks are not contained.

“We, therefore, call on government and stakeholders at different levels to put in place adequate measures that would address this theatre of carnage, by finding a lasting solution to the vicious circle of violence between herders and farmers.

“Benue Government and stakeholders may, as a matter of urgency, collaborate with the Federal Government and security agencies to convoke a national dialogue on the unending destruction of lives and property in the state,” the statement added.