By Amos Aar
THE CHARISMATIC Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has endorsed calls for a state of emergency in Benue State, citing persistent violence and worsening insecurity in the state. Bishop Joe Dakor, the Benue State Coordinator of CBCN, made the declaration during a press briefing in Makurdi on Sunday.
He condemned the continued killings attributed to suspected Fulani herdsmen and criticized the failure of security agencies to safeguard citizens.
“We have just returned from our national synod in Abuja (held from the 11th-13th of this month) and are here to clarify our stance following a recent press conference at the CAN Secretariat, where we were pressured to make statements against our leadership,” Bishop Dakor stated. “Today, we reaffirm our full support for our President General, Archbishop Professor Leonard Bature Kawas.”
Dakor alleged that the bishops were misled by the Benue State Governor’s Special Adviser, who reportedly facilitated their logistics for the earlier press event.
He claimed that the organizers manipulated the narrative without their consent, circulating an edited clip that misrepresented their position.
“Many of us present at that briefing were unaware of its actual agenda. No questions were asked of us, yet a distorted version was later publicized—an act contrary to the leadership of CBCN,” he added.
The bishop reiterated Benue State’s commitment to the national body of CBCN and emphasized alignment with its directives.
Addressing the security crisis, Dakor described the violence as reaching a critical level, warranting urgent intervention. “We support the declaration of a state of emergency in Benue if that is what is needed to restore safety,” he said.
He recounted scenes of destruction in Yelwata and Daudu, as well as the dire conditions of displaced persons in affected communities. “Even the Pope has offered prayers for the victims of these massacres,” he noted, condemning the alleged attacks by Fulani militants.
Dakor further criticized security forces for failing to protect residents while suppressing peaceful protests. “This morning, youths mourning the security lapses were met with tear gas and gunfire, with some arrests made,” he said.
He also raised an alarm over reports of armed herders advancing toward Makurdi, underscoring the persistent threat.
When questioned about potential implications of emergency rule — including concerns over the influence of Muslim Fulani elements in security operations — Dakor responded: “Under a state of emergency, the President can act decisively without legislative delays. It transitions into a security-focused framework, enabling proactive measures against bandits, unlike the current civilian administration’s sluggish response. We cannot afford inaction while lives remain at risk.”
The bishops present unanimously demanded an end to the violence, urging the federal government to take immediate action: “No more killings. The government must secure Benue State at all costs.”
