The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned in strong terms the “unprovoked” attack on a community in the Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Scores of people were reportedly killed in cold blood at Akpuuna village in Mbaterem, Ukum LGA by armed men suspected to be hoodlums.
Reacting to the development on Sunday in a statement by the state Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the news of innocent citizens being attacked and killed for no just cause was disappointing and quite disheartening.
He lamented what he described as a heinous crime and a grave sin against God and mankind, directing security agents to arrest those behind the unlawful act and bring them to book.
The governor sent his condolence to those who were bereaved of their loved ones in the attack and prayed for God’s comfort over their lives.
While assuring the public of a swift reaction from the government, Alia called for calm and advised the people of Sankera to assist security agencies with useful information that would help quell insecurity in the area.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command on Saturday killed eight suspected bandits after a militia gang invaded Akpuna village in the Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Reports were that last Saturday around noon, a militia gang invaded Akpuna village, Ukum LGA of Benue state and was shooting sporadically.
Upon receipt of this information, police teams in collaboration with other security agencies rushed to the area and engaged the bandits who were eventually repelled, the police source added.
The death toll from Saturday’s local militia killings in Akpuuna village of Ukum local government area of Benue state has risen to 25 as governor Hyacinth Alia warns criminal elements in the three local government areas of Ukum, Katsina-Ala, and Logo to stay off Benue or meet their end.
One eyewitness who survived the attack, said, six of his brothers were killed and he was only fortunate to escape, while another who lost his oldest son in the attack, calls for justice.
Governor Alia, visited the scene of the killing, says, this particular killing was perpetrated by people from within, a situation he warned his administration will not tolerate as doing so would negate his administration’s resolve to build a positive image for the state for investment to thrive.
