The Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has condemned the renewed killing and lamented that the attack was coming despite a strong security presence in the area.
According to the PUNCH, casualty figure in the renewed killing in the Ayati community in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State has risen to 50, including two policemen, as more corpses have been recovered.
The governor lamented that killing still continued in the council despite strong security presence and the regular dialogue sessions his administration had been holding with Stakeholders, and traditional rulers seeking the return of peace in Sankera.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, and made available to journalists in Makurdi, the governor described the attack as “another unprovoked attack on Ayati settlement in Ukum Local Government Area where several people were reportedly killed.
“Governor Alia strongly condemns the attack on unarmed innocent citizens of Benue State by armed bandits, expressing worry that such heinous act has continued in the state despite strong security presence.”
Alia, who vowed to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum residents, called on security personnel to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.
He explained that the government was awaiting a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to bring out its findings.
“He consoles families that lost their loved ones in the attack, saying his thoughts of comfort and prayers are with them and with the entire people of Ukum Local Government.
Ukum is one of the three local government areas (others are Katsina-Ala and Logo LGs) that make up the Sankara axis where criminality holds sway.
