By Ibironke Ariyo
Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farida Waziri, has called on former governors, lawmakers and traditional rulers in Benue State to put aside their rivalries.
Waziri, who was also a senior partner at Brookfield Chambers in Abuja, made the appeal on Saturday in Makurdi while donating humanitarian aid to victims of the recent armed attacks in Yelwata community.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Austine Williams, a member of Brookfield Chambers in Maitama, Abuja, Waziri also donated humanitarian aid to displaced persons in an IDP camp in the state capital.
The former EFCC Chairman also called on other stakeholders to come together to end the ongoing attacks and killings in the state.
This is not the time for divisions. This is not the time for political infighting or self-serving maneuvers. Among us are men and women who have led this state: former governors, parliamentarians, traditional rulers and influential figures. “It is time for us to put aside our differences and come together for the people of Benue,” he said. Waziri warned that the ongoing violence represents a “deliberate and coordinated attempt to destroy our people and our heritage” and stressed the need for collective action. Quoting British wartime leader Winston Churchill, he added: “Our difficulties and dangers will not be eliminated by turning a blind eye.” He then referred to Churchill’s words: “Those who do not fight for what is right, though they may easily win without bloodshed, may find themselves fighting against overwhelming odds and have little chance of survival.” Waziri said his appeal echoed President Bola Tinubu’s message during his visit to Benue, but stressed that meetings alone would not be enough.
“Peace does not come from meetings alone. To break the cycle of violence, we need to address its roots.”
“The communities of Gwer West, Apa and Guma were already suffering weeks of killings, kidnappings and robberies before the Yelwata massacre.”
“These horrors did not come out of nowhere; they are a symptom of deeper problems,” she explained.
However, she cited ethnic and religious tensions, rampant banditry, sectarianism and drug abuse, as well as conflict between herders and farmers, as the causes of the crisis.
She added that this problem must be addressed with honesty and courage.
“Mutual accusations are not allowed. Our leaders and all of us must act pragmatically.”
“Let us commit today as a people to heal our wounds, reclaim our lands and ensure that never again does a Benue child grow up in a camp instead of a home,” she stressed.
Waziri, also a retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, called on all Benue sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to express their concern and contribute towards lasting solutions to the crisis.
“It is time to act,” Waziri said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the donation was made under the auspices of the Women, Youth, Children and Crime Organisation (WYCCO), a non-governmental organisation founded by Waziri.
The items donated included bags of rice, sugar, yam and other essential household items to alleviate the suffering of the affected families.
