The informed suspicion by Gov. Gabriel Suswam of Benue State over the use of chemical weapons related substance in the latest attack by Fulani herdmen should be investigated by the International Communities with serious urgency.
We are urging the United Nations to quickly dispatch a team of expert to Nigeria to visit the scene of the attack and conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. This should be done with immediate effect so that the world can act if proven to be true.
There is zero tolerance on the use of chemical weapons under any guise by the International Communities. This incident is weighty enough to alarm the whole world to act quickly. There were genuine concerns during the fall of Muamma Gadaffi that weapons looted from Libya could find it way as far as Nigeria. It was not hidden that Gadaffi was suspected of having a stockpile of undeclared chemical weapons.
The consequence of chemical weapons in the hands of herdsmen or insurgent will be catastrophic for all Nigerians and West Africa. This is one group that is connected to all parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries, therefore nobody is safe if this claim is established. All Nigerians must rise up on this matter to ensure we get to its roots
As a group meant to advance the interest of Ekiti State, we are not unmindful of the fact that the peace of Nigeria is the peace of Ekiti State. We are also cognizance of the fact that Ekiti sons and daughters are everywhere in Nigeria, from Benue to Katsina, in Maiduguri, Yobe and all over the world. We cannot advance the interest of our State in isolation.
We are also urging our security forces prosecuting the war against terrorism to consider this new lead in their investigation of arrested terrorists. The insurgents if in possession of such weapon may be reserving for the last.
No stone should be left unturned to unravel this latest development in Benue state. An injury to one is an injury to all. We are all casualties, directly and indirectly. May God help Nigeria to overcome these challenges.
Ariyo-Dare ATOYE
Convener,
Ekiti Global Agenda
