Human rights lawyer, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has strongly condemned the persistent attacks and invasions of communities across Nigeria by armed herdsmen, stating that the nation is “under siege.”
Ejiofor emphasized that the killings of Nigerian citizens in Plateau, Enugu, Benue, and Delta States by herdsmen demand immediate and serious action from the government.
He lamented that the ongoing bloodshed of innocent, defenseless citizens, whose only connection to the land is their ancestral heritage, has tragically become a daily occurrence.
In a Tuesday Facebook post, Ejiofor attributed the continued attacks to the alleged inaction of the government.
“Nigeria is witnessing a grave national tragedy – a relentless wave of violence unleashed by rampaging Fulani herdsmen from Plateau to Benue, from Uso Uwani in Enugu State to parts of Delta State. The unchecked bloodbath of innocent, defenseless citizens whose only crime is being aboriginal to their ancestral lands has become a tragic, daily occurrence,” he wrote.
“Each day, new casualty figures are reported by the media, reducing human lives to mere statistics, as though we were counting livestock. Behind those numbers are mothers, fathers, children, and breadwinners, fellow citizens whose lives have been brutally cut short by wicked, soulless killers.”
Ejiofor highlighted the recent reported massacre in Plateau State, where locals claim the death toll from Monday’s attacks exceeds the reported 52 lives. He expressed shock that these atrocities continue amidst what he described as “complicit silence” and “hollow condemnations” from the state government without any meaningful intervention.
The former special counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) urged the federal government to take decisive action against the activities of herdsmen.
He reminded President Bola Tinubu and the state governors of their constitutional duty to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“Let it be made clear: human life is sacred and irreplaceable. Yet, in this country, it too often appears that the lives of cattle are valued more than those of human beings. This is a shameful indictment of our government and an affront to our shared humanity,” Ejiofor asserted.
“The time for rhetoric has passed. This is an urgent and unambiguous call for decisive, coordinated action by the federal government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the governors of the affected states.”
He emphasized that the oath taken by these leaders is a “sacred duty, not a negotiable privilege” to protect citizens’ lives and guarantee their security.
“The continuous slaughter of innocent Nigerians by marauding herdsmen and the government’s inertia in the face of this carnage are both condemnable and unacceptable. All security and law enforcement agencies must act decisively, without bias or hesitation,” Ejiofor demanded.
He also urged communities to “awaken to the painful reality of the state’s failure and begin to lawfully safeguard themselves against this existential threat.”
“I must reiterate, life is precious. Its sanctity must be preserved. Government at all levels must immediately restore public confidence, secure our communities, and ensure that the safety of the citizens is not a luxury but a right for all,” he concluded.
Nigeria Under Siege from Herdsmen Attacks-Rights Lawyer Ejiofor Tells FG.
