9th August, 2024
By Emmanuel Antswen
Benue governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed sadness over attack on Ayati Village in Ukum Local Government Area of the state where over 30 people were reportedly killed on Thursday night, noting that the incident happened despite strong security presence.
Alia, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula in Makurdi on Friday, condemned the new wave of attacks.
The governor, who expressed worry over the attack on unarmed innocent citizens by armed bandits, said that such heinous acts have continued in the state despite the strong security presence.
He, however, makes a firm determination to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum, which has been on the front lines of attacks lately.
Alia called on security agencies to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.
The governor condoled with the families that lost their loved ones in the unfortunate attack and prayed God to comfort them.
He assured the people that his administration would continue to explore both discreet and open measures with a view to ensuring that Sankera retraces her path of peace and lives happily again.
The Benue Government had earlier confirmed the killing of over 30 persons by local militia in Ayati village on Thursday night.
Mr Matthew Aboh, Benue Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism said that adequate security has been deployed to the area to restore order.
The commissioner said a total of 30 bodies were recovered after the attack, adding that more bodies were still being recovered in the bushes.
He blamed the killings on the battle for supremacy between the local militias within the area.
“I was informed yesterday night through the telephone that bandits were attacking and killing people at Ayati village.
“Today I confirmed that the number of persons killed as I talk to you was 30 .They are still recovering corpses in the bushes so the number is yet to be ascertained.
“In Ayati village what I heard is that one of the bandits’ maternal village is Ayati and the other one’s maternal village is Tine-nune, Mbatyem.
“All of them are tough and fighting themselves. So anytime any one goes to the maternal village of the other and kills people the other will retaliate. So it is reprisal upon reprisal attacks,”he said.
However, a resident of Ukum who spoke on condition of anonymity, who didn’t want to be named for fear of being attacked, said over 50 corpses were recovered.
When contacted, SP Sewuese Anene, Public Relations Officer, Police Command in Benue, confirmed the attack through a text message.
“I’m aware there was an attack and I’m waiting for briefing from officers on ground please,“ she said.(NAN)
