….Says Enough is Enough For Those Aiding, Abetting Attackers
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Saturday, confirmed that 55 people were killed in Logo and Ukum local government areas respectively, following coordinated attacks on some communities by suspected herdsmen.
He confirmed the figures upon his visit to the affected communities for an on-the-spot assessment on Saturday.
The governor who condemned the heinous act, said that it was an unprovoked invasion, threatening to deal decisively with any native found to be aiding and abetting the attackers.
While speaking at Zaki Biam in Ukum local government area, the governor promised that his government is on top of the situation as positive steps are being taken to address the security challenges confronting the state.
He advised that, even though Benue people have the capacity to defend themselves, they must not take the law into their own hands but allow security agencies to handle the situation.
Given a breakdown of the casualties, the governor said 27 people were killed in Logo, while 28 lost their lives in Ukum.
Governor Alia also thanked the Tor Sankera, Chief David Sev-Av, for assuming leadership at a critical time and charged him to caution his subjects against engaging in reprisals.
He expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu’s renewed approach to national security would help bring an end to insecurity, particularly in Benue State.
While at Ugba, headquarters of Logo local government area, Governor Alia declared that “enough is enough” on the senseless killings in the State.
Alia who led all Security Chiefs in Benue State on a condolence and fact finding visit to the area after the Thursday and Friday attacks, said his government cannot fold its arms and watch Benue people continue to loose their lives and property.
He challenged prominent sons and daughters of the state to see beyond politics and personal interest to the need to unite with him for the common interest of the people.
He threatened not to spare any one including traditional rulers who would be found to be involved in the barbaric act that has continued to claim lives of innocent Benue citizens.
He announced that the State Government would take over the burial of victims of the attacks and treatment of those injured.
He commended the security agencies for their quick intervention and response to bringing the situation under control.
Also speaking, the member representing, Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala, Solomon Wombo lamented the insecurity in the area and appealed to the Federal Government to establish a military barrack in the area to protect his constituents from armed herdsmen and bandits.
On their parts, Chairman, Logo Local Government Council, Mr Clement Ungwachikar and Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Peter Iorhuna thanked the Governor for the swift response in coming to identify with them over the attacks.
The visit was accompanied by the heads security agencies in the state, including the commissioner of Police, DSS, NSCDC, Operation Whirl Stroke, Home Land Security, Civil Protection Guards among others.
As at the time of filing this report, Governor is having a closed door meeting with critical stakeholders in the area including politicians, traditional rulers, youths and women leaders.
