Armed Herders Must Pay For Their Crime Against Benue People–Alia

Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed grief over the attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju by suspected armed herders in the early hours of today.

The governor told bandits that Benue land belongs to it people, vowing that they cannot takeover it.

Alia said the bandits must pay for their crime against the peaceful people of the state.

The governor, however, commended the Benue State Police Command under Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu for their quick response, which resulted in the neutralization of two armed bandits in the area suspected to have taken part in the unfortunate incident.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement confirmed that scores of persons were murdered, with many others sustaining various degrees of injury, “as suspected armed herdsmen launched yet another attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju district of Otukpo local government area of the state.”

The statement explained that following reports of the incident, men of the Benue State Police Command deployed their men to trace the armed bandits.

According the statement, the fire exchange occurred as the police closed in on the bandits, and, two of the bandits who were apparently manned to provide cover for the others to escape got neutralised.

The governor said his administration will continue to support the security agencies to ensure those who attack the state were spoken to in the language they understand.

“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come and push the people away and takeover should think twice.

“Our people are peaceful, hardworking and peaceful. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected, and our land is secured”.l the statement said.