The Vanguard Against Tiv Massacre VATIM, on thursday went on a protest march to the National Assembly, on the failure of the government to prevent attacks by armed herdsmen which have led to the loss of lives, livelihood and property in Benue state.
The protesters walked from the Unity Fountain in Abuja through the federal secretariat, to the national assembly but were resisted by men of the Nigeria Police; after about over an hour of insisting on going in they were allowed in but not into the Complex.
They say the inaction by the government with regards to the attempted genocide on the Tiv, Idoma and other ethnic groups living in Benue State contravenes the primary responsibility of the government to protect lives and properties of its citizens.
The group asserts that Benue and the country in general is already experiencing food crisis as a result of the criminal activities of these herdsmen as several farming communities are unable to farm.
The impact of this they say would result in food insecurity in the nation, looking at the recent Seasonal Rainfall Prediction by the Nigerian Metrological Agency that food production will reduce in 2017 as a result of early commencement and cessation of rainfall.
Sen. George Sekibo (PDP-Rivers), who addressed the protesters on behalf of President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, said the red chamber was aware of the harassment of locals by herdsmen.
Sekibo told them that the National Assembly was working toward a lasting solution to the problem.
He said that about three motions had been raised in relation to the activities of herdsmen in the state and other parts of the country, adding that the upper chamber was not resting on its oars.
“The Senate is standing by you. We shall do everything within the limits of the law to ensure these herdsmen are taken to particular area where they can feed their cattle,” the lawmaker said
