•Orders arrest of perpetrators
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of two Igede youths along Awajir-Oju road.
According to security reports, the two were traveling from Oju on their motorcycle when they were attacked and killed in cold blood.
The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, said in a statement that Governor Alia also denounced a separate attack on Nyifon community in Mbaikyongo Ward of Buruku Local Government Area.
The incident, reportedly carried out by youths from the Mbayaka community in Kusuv, also of Buruku LGA, followed a misunderstanding linked to a boat mishap.
The governor denounced the two incidents which happened separately in different local governments in the state, saying that it was uncalled for and unfortunate.
He said no one or group has the right to invade another community or inflict harm under any circumstance.
Governor Alia directed the security agencies to move in, liaise with the traditional rulers of the areas concerned and ensure that they comb the vicinity thoroughly and with 48 hours, identify and apprehend the perpetrators of these heinous crimes to face the full wrath of the law.
He stated: “Benue is beginning to experience a level of security stability, and I will not tolerate any attempt by anyone, regardless of their status or intentions to instigate unrest or threaten the peace we are working hard to sustain.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, calling on all communities across the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding while investigations continue.