Benue killings: Nigerian embassy in UK under fire for shunning protesters

Benue killings: Nigerian embassy in UK under fire for shunning protesters

- The Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom has been chided by the Mzough U Tiv group for shunning them during a peaceful protest

- The group had led a protest to the embassy to protest against the killings of 73 individuals by herdsmen in Benue state

- Following the ‘cold reception’ from the ambassador and embassy staff, the group resorted to taking its petition to the British prime minister at her official residence

The Mzough U Tiv in the United Kingdom (MUTUK) has called out the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom for trying to frustrate moves to evoke international intervention, following the killings carried out by herdsmen in Benue state.

According to The Telegraph, the group had staged a peaceful protest at the embassy, against the killings which claimed 73 lives.

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Legit.ng gathers that the spokesperson of the group, Sulieyol Biam, stated that no embassy staff came out to meet members of the organization when they went to present their petition.

Benue killings: Nigerian embassy in UK under fire for shunning protesters
Members of MUTUK protesting outside the Nigerian High Commission in the UK (Photo credit: The Telegraph)

Biam also alleged that the federal government’s nonchalant attitude on the issue was caused by high-level conspiracy among security agencies which she claimed had taken sides with the herdsmen.

She stated: “It is not surprising that neither the Nigerian High Commissioner nor any of his staff came out to address the gathering, even after protesters had gathered for over one hour and even after approaching the staff of the embassy.”

Following the situation at the embassy, the spokesperson disclosed that the group had taken its peaceful protest to No. 10 Downing Street where it then delivered its petition to the British prime minister.

According to Biam, MUTUK had to resort to taking its protest to the British PM because "our people back at home have done everything within the law to bring an end to this ethnic cleansing.”

She continued: “Our people back at home in Benue state have protested, they have held press conferences, they held meetings with community leaders to discuss the solution to these attacks, and they have passed the anti-open grazing bill.

“Our leaders back at home have even visited President Muhammadu Buhari to plead with him to take decisive actions."

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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the federal government may opt to take military action to deal with perpetrators of the killings recorded in many parts of the country, most especially in Benue state, which have been attributed to herdsmen.

The development was disclosed by a reliable source from the presidency who reportedly spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The source stated that the need for a fresh approach had been provoked by ‘bandits and mercenaries’ who carry out the atrocious acts.

He also disclosed that the new approach was the outcome of the committee put together by the National Economic Council and chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to find ways to put an end to the crisis.

What should the federal government do to tackle the herdsmen attacks in the country? - on Legit.ng TV:

Source: Legit.ng

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