Agatu Massacre: Mark laments death of over 500 constituents

Former President of the Senate, David Mark, has described as barbaric, wicked and inhuman the massive attacks and destruction of lives and property in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State, by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen.

He said: “I’m shocked beyond words at the extent of destruction I have seen here in Agatu. Nothing whatsoever justifies this brazen act of destruction meted out on the people of Agatu. My heart bleeds.”

Senator Mark, who was on the assessment tour of the ravaged communities along with some members of the National and State Assembly from his Benue South constituency, urged security operatives to do all that is needed to bring the perpetrators to book.

He was of the view that the attacks could not have happened by accident, but suspected a planned and orchestrated genocide against his people.

A statement signed by Mark’s media assistant, Paul Mumeh, said about 10 communities had been razed to the rubbles, while no fewer than 500 lives have been lost to recent hostilities. He noted that some of the villages visited by the fact-finding group have been deserted and virtually turned into ghost towns.

“The villages are totally bereft of any social or economic activities. The entire primary and post-primary schools, health and worship centres, as well as the police station in the area have been burnt down. What is left of a hitherto boisterous Agatu communities of Aila, Akwu, Adagbo, Okokolo, Ugboju, Odugbeho, Ogbaulu, Egba and Obagaji are the debris of the wreckage”

Mark, however, told the handful of survivors of the attacks to remain calm and law abiding no matter the level of provocation just as he assured that the government would intervene to bring succour to them.