The Christian Rights Agenda (CRA), a faith-based advocacy group, has issued a stern warning regarding the alarming rise of violence in Benue and Plateau states, with over 80 communities reportedly now under the control of Fulani terrorist groups. The organization has called for urgent action from the federal government to revise its counter-terrorism approach, as the situation in these regions continues to deteriorate.
In a statement released from Abuja, the CRA expressed its deep concern over the increasing violence that has unfolded in these states over the past several weeks. The group claims that armed Fulani militants, whom they have labeled as terrorists, are responsible for a coordinated wave of attacks that have led to numerous fatalities, the destruction of property, and the displacement of countless families.
According to Reverend Kallamu Musa Dikwa, the Secretary General of CRA, the violence shows signs of being organized, with an apparent agenda to spread chaos and religious intolerance. “These attacks appear to be well-orchestrated acts of terrorism, intended to entrench violence and anarchy. This is unacceptable,” Dikwa stated. He further stressed that the ongoing unrest is putting the lives of both Christians and other innocent civilians in grave danger.
CRA representatives have also confirmed that they have deployed field officers to Benue, Plateau, and Borno states to assess the situation on the ground. The findings, according to Dikwa, are troubling. “Preliminary findings confirm that over 80 communities have been overtaken by Fulani terrorists,” he revealed.
To address the mounting crisis, CRA is working on creating a comprehensive database that will track and document the persecution of Christians in northern Nigeria. The group hopes that such a database will shed light on the extent of the violence and help in coordinating efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.
While the CRA acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive for security agencies to step up their efforts in tackling insecurity, it stressed that such directives must not be seen as mere political gestures. The organization emphasized that the orders must be fully executed and accompanied by tangible consequences for failures. “Such directives must go beyond political optics. They should be fully implemented, and any failures must be met with appropriate sanctions to deter future negligence,” the statement noted.
In addition, the CRA has called on state governors to act with integrity and resolve, putting political considerations aside to tackle the ongoing killings. “It is time for leaders to call a spade a spade and not hide behind political convenience while communities suffer,” Dikwa concluded.
