- The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, said it was ready to defend women and children against killer herdsmen
- The federation lamented the recent killings in Benue state and declared its readiness to assist in finding a lasting solution to the crisis
- It said that women and children are more vulnerable during crisis and said it could no longer sit back idly and wait for the federal government to decide when it is ready to act on the crisis
The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria has lamented the crisis between herdsmen and farmers and urged the federal government to defend the lives and property of Nigerians against unsuspecting attacks by herdsmen.
READ ALSO: Governor Ambode’s aide Deji Tinubu slumps, dies
In a statement on the recent killings in Benue state, the federation declared its readiness to use lawful means necessary to assist in ensuring a lasting solution to the menace of herdsmen attacks in the country, Premium Times reports.
NAIJ.com gathered that FIDA in its statement signed by the association’s national president and secretary general, Inime Aguma and Princess Frank-Chukwuani, respectively cited the effects of the killings on women and children, adding that the menace has gone far too long.
The statement read in part: “FIDA Nigeria seeks to express her revulsion and grave sorrow at the activities of the herdsmen, particularly on the recent Benue killings which claimed numerous lives, loss of property and caused great harm to the people of Benue state, especially their women and children.
"Women and children are amongst the most vulnerable groups in society and in an insecure society, they are the ones who suffer most. They are the most easily targeted and the most gruesomely violated.
“While the herdsmen are of the opinion that they are within their rights to graze cattle on the lands within the Nigerian territory, they must also recognise that these lands are subject to laws which clearly define ownership rights.
"FIDA Nigeria therefore condemns these barbaric activities of the herdsmen in the strongest terms, for being cruel, inhuman, degrading and a violation of the fundamental human rights of the citizens of Benue state.
“While we recognise that civil societies and the state government have made efforts to proffer solutions to the situation such as calls for anti-grazing laws, grazing curfews, ranching, colonies and so on, these killings are still on the rise and it is clear that no suitable solutions have been implemented.
"FIDA Nigeria therefore makes a direct call on the federal government to recognise that the onus falls on them to preserve and protect the rights and property of its citizens at all times.
“Despite the focus on the recent Benue killings, it must be recognised that the herdsmen attacks have not been limited to Benue state alone, since 2012, we have persistently been daunted with reports of their activities in other states of the federation which we strongly frown at. We can no longer sit back idly and wait for the federal government to decide when it is ready to act.
“FIDA Nigeria declares her preparedness within our mandate to support all legitimate efforts and to do everything within our power and the law to ensure the protection of the rights of women and children everywhere in our country Nigeria."
PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigeria’s #1 news
Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that Governor Samuel Ortom disclosed that security operatives and troops were deployed to Odonto in Adim Akpa, a community in Otukpo local council area of Benue state, following an attack by suspected herdsmen in the area.
The attack which reportedly occurred on Christmas eve left two people dead and two others wounded.
Victims of Herdsmen killing buried in Benue state - on NAIJ.com TV
Source: Naija.ng