…Gov Alia Condoles Victims Of Attack
About 15 persons may have been killed by armed men suspected to be Fulani herdsmen in Utange council ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA), of Benue State, and its environs last weekend.
The attacks which started in Utange council ward on Friday spilled over to Kpav, Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa on Saturday, where the herders attacked more settlements and unleashed mayhem on the communities, killing more locals.
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Scores of people have been declared missing, while many others were wounded, as the herdsmen left in their wake burnt houses and food stuff destroyed.
Even though, the Chairman, Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed 11 persons dead, efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command, SP Sewuese Anene proved abortive.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has condoled the people of the area in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Kula Tersoo and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Sunday.
Speaking on phone with Daily Independent, the chairman of the LGA, Justine Shaku, who explained that the killings have been going on over time, added that the attacks were carried out on his people without any form of provocation.
He said, the “Killings took place yesterday (Saturday) between 7pm and 9pm.
“About 11 people were killed, 7 others sustained various degree of injures and they are receiving treatment in some hospitals. I am here with the House of Representatives member, representing this axis (Katsina-Ala/Logo/Ukum, Federal constituency) Hon. Solomon Wombo.
“Since 1 pm we have been here with the locals, trying to settle bills, and make arrangement for caskets for burial of the victims”, Shaku stated.
Also, the President General, Mzough U Tiv (MUT), worldwide, Chief CP. Iorbee Ihagh, condemned the attacks on the communities by the herdsmen.
In a statement signed by the Press Secretary to Chief Ihagh, Comrade Nicholas Ishom, said “President General while commending his Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia for his effort towards bringing lasting solutions/peace in affected communities also appealed that more security forces should be deployed to the affected areas to prevent future occurrence.
“President General extends his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and Prayed God to repose their souls.”
Meanwhile, in the statement issued by the CPS, Kula Tersoo, said “Governor Alia expresses his profound condolences to the families of the casualties and the entire community of Kpav, particularly Dikpo and Imande Gberihwa, following the vicious attack by marauding armed herdsmen.
“He (Governor Alia) said that the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of homes is a painful reminder of the challenges his administration encounters in the journey for peace and security in the state.
He said, “this measure of cruelty is extremely offensive and will not be countenanced. The Governor condemns this barbarous action in the strongest terms and reassures the people of Benue State that those responsible will be forced to justice.”
While Governor Alia, said that security forces have been deployed to the affected communities, “enhanced security steps are being implemented to track the aggressors and forestall further incidents.
“We are striving intently with local law enforcement and community leaders to ensure that our villages can reside in peace without fear of terrorism”, Kula pledged.
