Socialist Workers League vehemently condemns the massacre of over 200 people in communities across Benue state over the next few days. The rhetoric of the ruling class and its government as well as President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit to Benue on Wednesday, June 18, are all too little, too late and fail to address the roots of the problem.
There has been a series of killings in Benue state, the Middle Belt and across the country that were associated with conflicts between herders and farmers. This has helped to create an ethnicised narrative of the problem as that of the “Fulani herdsmen”.
But the current tragic situation in Benue underscores the limitations of that narrative. There are credible bases for reaching the conclusion that intra-political fighting played a role in the emergence of this bloodbath.
Enough is enough. The poor masses must no longer be used as canon fodder. We extend heartfelt condolences to the people of Benue state. We call for justice for the slain and displaced. And we urge them to unite & fight to defend themselves and break the rule of those stoking such fratricidal fires.
Sgd.
Jamiu TOWOLAWI
National Chairperson
Sgd.
Amara NWOSU
National Secretary
