Group accuses CSOs of misinformation on Benue crisis

Group accuses CSOs of misinformation on Benue crisis

The Unity Advocacy Group (UAG) has criticized the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), accusing the civil society organisation of spreading misinformation and demonstrating a lack of understanding regarding military operations in Benue State.

Intersociety had recently accused the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, of showing bias in the wake of the Benue killings.

The group also claimed that General Musa’s remarks on the need for ranches amounted to a subtle endorsement of lawlessness and an attempt to further the islamisation of the Middle Belt.

General Musa, in a previous statement, had proposed controlling the movement of livestock across the region as a way of addressing the long-standing farmer-herder conflict.

According to the CDS, “In doing that, it is important we create ranches… Ranches will do a great deal in securing our control and will prevent the conflict between the Farmer-Herders clashes.”

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He also urged farmers to refrain from killing stray animals that enter their farms, advocating instead for due process: “Animals should be arrested and compensations are made.”

In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by its Convener, Ifeanyi Aigbedion, UAG described Intersociety’s claims as baseless and misleading.

“Intersociety should as a matter of urgency apologize to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the CDS for the misinformation they just churned out,” the group said.

“We are not here to defend anyone, but as stakeholders in the Nigeria project, we urge the group to investigate very well before going to the press to churn out lies.

“It is even shameful that the Group will associate the CDS with killers and marauders. CDS just made a suggestion which to any genuinely concerned Nigerian, will bring a stop to invasion of farmlands by animals.”

UAG also urged civil society organisations, non-governmental bodies, the media, and other relevant actors to verify information thoroughly before making public statements.
“We should not raise alarm or weaken the resolve of our troops,” the statement said.

Group accuses CSOs of misinformation on Benue crisis