..vows to end armed herdsmen incursions in Benue

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has condemned recent armed herdsmen incursions in communities in Kwande and Ukum Local Government Areas, LGAs, of the state describing the attacks as remorseless barbarism.

Recall that communities in the two LGAs recently came under attack by suspected armed herdsmen who killed several persons and injured others.

The Governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula weekend appealed for calm assuring that his government was unrelenting to ensure peace in the affected communities.

The Governor expressed worry over the incessant attacks on Kwande communities by armed herders, wondering why “Kwande and Ukum LGAs have received the attention of these attackers now that relative peace is recorded in other areas of the state.”

He however, assured the people of the two LGAs of his swift and improved feedback to their situation in order to put an end to the activities of the assailants and their collaborators.

He said “I share your pains, and I assure you that we will step up our response and prompt, too. Read my lips. The remorseless barbarity of these assailants and their sponsors will soon be a thing of the past.”

The Governor reemphasized his love for Kwande, Ukum and the entire state, saying his government had never abandoned them, and would never abandon them promising to ensure that “the land of Kwande and Ukum LGAs and the entire Benue State is free from armed herdsmen invasion.”

The Governor particularly sympathized with the victims of the recent attack in Kwande and called on security agencies to give the state their best “by ensuring that the enemies of the state are caught and accordingly dealt with.”

He also warns those who had been using his name to stir controversy in Kwande and other areas of the state to be wary of the potential consequences of their actions, stressing that he was the Governor for all and would continue to work for the good of all people, particularly the masses.