By Emmanuel Antswen
Tiv professors under the aegis of the Forum of Ayatutu Professors (FAP) have urged the federal and state governments to improve border surveillance.
Prof. Tor Iorapuu and Prof. Simon Irtwange, Chairman and Secretary of the Board of Trustees and Council of Management, in a statement in Makurdi, said effective border surveillance would help in tackling the ongoing security challenges.
The duo stated that the deployment of security personnel at various locations was not enough to end security challenges.
They added that there must be effective coordination and improved surveillance to achieve success.
“The army and the police are stationed at Yelewata, and yet a brutal massacre of that magnitude occurred.
“The Jebbu community in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau is barely a kilometre from a major military checkpoint,” they said.
They also called for the compensation and inclusion of attack victims, particularly those in Benue, Plateau and communities in Southern Kaduna, in the country’s humanitarian response plan.
They further urged the North Central Development Commission to support the renewal of livelihoods in these states and the protection of crop farmers from further attacks by the terrorists.
On the decision of Nasarawa Governor Abdullahi Sule to sue Prof. Zacharys Gundu, Vice Chancellor (VC), University of Mkar, over his comments that the state was harbouring terrorists killing Benue residents, the group urged him to have a rethink on his decision.
“Prof. Gundu only acted in defence of the truth, and the Forum of Ayatutu Professors are firmly with him.
“The issue at stake is of serious global concern, and Nigeria is part of the global focus.
“No state can claim innocence while its borders become bridges for terror;
Sovereignty is a shield for peace, not a sanctuary for lawlessness.
“FAP would like to encourage Gov. Abdullahi to reflect again on this matter. This incident has the capacity to introduce or deepen unnecessary tensions and a cold war between the two states,” they said. NAN
