The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has called on the Federal Government to take decisive action to end the ongoing killings and kidnappings in Benue and Plateau states, insisting that those responsible must face justice.

In a statement issued by his media aide, Kola Ologbondiyan, Mark said the blood of innocent victims killed in Benue was crying out for justice, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains the primary responsibility of any government.

His remarks follow renewed attacks that reportedly claimed the lives of 16 people in Otukpo, Benue State, and nine others in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, in separate assaults blamed on suspected armed militias.

Mark urged the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, increase surveillance in vulnerable communities and major highways, and ensure rapid deployment of security personnel to prevent further attacks.

He also called for immediate search-and-rescue operations to secure the release of passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus.

The former Senate President further demanded that those behind the killings and kidnappings be identified, arrested, and prosecuted without delay, warning against a growing culture of impunity.

According to him, no Nigerian community should be left at the mercy of armed criminals, adding that Benue residents deserve to live in peace and without fear.