Head Of Service, KogiPoly Rector, SA On Labour Urges FG to End Benue Killings
By Abubakar Suleman
Stakeholders across Kogi State have raised serious concerns over the escalating violence in Benue State, calling on the Federal Government to act decisively to end the killings and avert a potential national food crisis.
The alarm was raised during a reception held at KayGalaxy event centre, Lokoja organized by committee of friends in honour of the Kogi State Head of Service. Key figures at the event described the situation in Benue as a growing national emergency that threatens both lives and livelihoods.
Speaking to Journalists at the occasion, the Rector of Kogi State Polytechnic, Dr. Salisu Usman Ogbo, stressed the economic significance of Benue to the nation.
“Benue is widely known as the food basket of the nation,” he said. “From grains to vegetables and livestock, the state plays a central role in feeding millions across Nigeria. If this violence continues, we risk plunging the country into a major food crisis.”
The Head of Service, Mr. Elijah Evinemi, echoed the concern, urging the Federal Government to take swift, strategic action to restore peace in Benue.
“This is not just a Benue problem; it is a national concern,” Evinemi stated. “We cannot sit back and watch a vital food-producing region descend into chaos.”
Also speaking, Comrade Onuh Edoka, Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Labour Matters, called for coordinated efforts to tackle the root causes of the conflict, including land disputes, criminality, and the displacement of communities.
“Security must be strengthened, and dialogue mechanisms must be put in place to address long-standing grievances,” Edoka advised. “The time to act is now.”
The traditional ruler of Ebiraland, His Royal Majesty Muhammed Tijani Anaje, urged a multi-sectoral approach, combining military intervention with community reconciliation.
Kogi State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Gabriel Amari, added that the economic implications could be dire if decisive steps are not taken.
“Already, food prices are soaring,” he said. “Further disruption to food production will hurt the poor the most. This crisis must not be allowed to fester.”
The stakeholders jointly called for enhanced security deployment, support for displaced persons, and robust conflict-resolution mechanisms. They stressed that unless swift action is taken, the deteriorating situation could spiral into a larger national disaster with far-reaching consequences.
The concerns come amid growing inflation and food insecurity affecting millions of Nigerian households.
