By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has strongly condemned the renewed wave of killings in Benue State, calling on the Nigerian government to go beyond lamentations and take urgent, proactive steps to halt the bloodshed.

In a press statement signed by the Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, and dated Monday, June 16, 2025, JNI described the killings as “gruesome, unjust, and a total betrayal of human values.”

The group lamented the incessant loss of innocent lives in Benue and questioned why such tragedies have become a norm despite the country’s security infrastructure.

“Why has it remained so difficult to preempt such catastrophic occurrences on our national lives?” the statement asked, warning that continued silence or indifference could embolden the enemies of peace.

Quoting the Qur’an, JNI reaffirmed the sanctity of life and declared the killings as “inhumane and ungodly,” stressing that the value of human life must never be trivialized.

While acknowledging the efforts of security agencies, the Islamic body criticised their “often reactive posture,” urging for intelligence-led, proactive security interventions to deter future attacks.

JNI called on all stakeholders, governments at all levels, religious institutions, civil society, and traditional leaders to unite in addressing the ongoing carnage.

“It is time to rise as one humanity to say ‘No More’ to senseless killings, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or political inclination,” the statement read.

JNI also offered condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Benue State, praying for the quick recovery of the injured and lasting peace in the region and across Nigeria.

“No sane society should condone such carnage,” the statement concluded.