How Can these Find Love?

In times of trouble relationships are stressed, strained and tensed. But in times of conflicts, where lives are lost, families are separated, traumatized and injured; relationships are broken, sometimes temporarily or permanently.

I think the most painful thing is when loved ones are killed without provocation. At a time you are helpless to defend them when you know you could defend or do something to help them.

Nigeria is not at war! But countless citizens are being mauled daily by a marauding set who go about the villages in the guise of cattle herders.

Fulani herdsmen!

Slained men, women and children killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Benue, Nigeria, on January 1, 2018.

I am not here to tell you what and why the killing persist. However, I am to tell you what we can do to extend love to the deceased and their families.

On January 1st 2018, 73 persons were killed like cows in Benue State. More persons have been killed across Nigeria since this last incident. No one has been arrested till date nor has anyone been prosecuted. Normally, such act on the part of the authorities would bring relief to victims and their families. A sense of justice is perceived to have been achieved. Nothing! Rièn! The world is wicked!

Some act of kindness!

The state governor of Benue has done a lot. He has indeed stood by the people, spoke the truth about the planned annihilation plot to wipe his people out of Nigeria by the Fulanis. He has indeed brought to the fore answers to questions about the identity issues minority tribes in northern Nigeria have been enduring for decades. He actually warmed his way to my heart and million others when he put the police chief and other notable Fulanis serving in the current administration in the country to where they belong. The governor has created seven camps for the internally displaced persons in their tens of thousands and additional two for refugees from the Republic of Cameron. These he funds single handed from the state purse.

Help from other states.

Political and opinion leaders from the three geo-political regions in Southern Nigeria paid a condolence visit to the state of Benue and assured the state governor of their solidarity with him. This show of love is most welcome. The opposition party in the country, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also had paid a visit to show their support; despite the fact that the APC is the party in charge of the state. Two governors have visited the state to show solidarity and love to the people of Benue state. One of them in fact donated the sum of 200 million naira towards alleviating the suffering of these people.

OK. What can you do for a distressed people?

• Donate money, food, clothing and medicine. This is the easiest thing. Even if you can’t travel to Benue state or Nigeria whatever relief materials you sent would get there. Look at ways you can show LOVE to the Benue people.
• If you can visit the victims and their families in their camp do. This can warm them and show them they are not alone anymore.
• Write on their plight. Let the world know that in Nigeria, there exists a criminal gang which is been prodded and shielded by ethnic bigots to foster land grabbing. Is this not what you call ethnic cleansing?
• Prayers. Remember these people daily when you pray.

• Help to teach Nigerians how to live in peace and quiet through LOVE!

  Help to get justice for the dead and relief for their families.

And you want to tell me that this is not about singles or marriage or relationship or family. Which single would not want love, justice and security? Among the murdered were potential wives, fathers, suitors, in-laws, etc. Whole families were wiped out. Surviving kins need love still. This is the only way, they, the dead, can rest in peace.

More so, look for the best ways you can sow love to these grieving Nigerians. Because it concerns you. Ciao.

@singlesat30ty