Atiku supported terrorists killing, mocked the dead in Benue —Youths claims

The Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has been accused of backing terrorists who killed civilians in Benue State, according to the Benue Youth Forum (BYF).

In a recent “careless and unfortunate” speech, Atiku justified a herdsmen attack in the state, according to BYF, making fun of those who were slain.

The organization chastised Atiku for his recent remarks in which he alleged that Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom had created a terrorist and bandit profile of the Fulani people, as well as for the massacre of over 40 persons, including two police officers, in Gbeji, Ukum Local Government Area, last week.

BYF President Terrence Kuanum described Atiku’s remarks as another terrible unforced error.

They begged Atiku to demonstrate his well-known affection for the Tiv people by denouncing the Fulani militia’s deed.

The group stated this in a statement on Thursday, issued by Kuanum.

The statement read, “That careless and callous comment coming from an individual who is parading himself as a “unifier” clearly shows where he stands on the incessant invasion of Benue communities and massacre of the people and the destruction of their property by well armed Fulani militiamen.

“We see that evil statement which came from the abundance of Atiku’s heart as a justification of the massacre in Benue state and a mockery of those who died in those attacks as well as a declaration of support for the marauding Fulani terrorists that carry those heinous activities.”

BYF emphasized the need to deprive Atiku of his Zege Mule U Tiv title and ordered the Tiv Traditional Council to keep an eye on his future remarks about the government.

The group demanded that he immediately apologize to the state’s residents for his remarks regarding killings.

BYF urged the PDP presidential candidate to demonstrate a real commitment to the Benue people and demonstrate that, if elected, he will denounce such terrorist acts.