Alia Calls For Security Summit In Benue South, Orders Rescue Of Kidnapped Children

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered the rescue of the nine children recently kidnapped from Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon community in Ado local government area of the state.

The governor also called for a crucial security summit in Benue South Senatorial District to overhaul and strengthen the region’s security framework to prevent future attacks which he described as unacceptable.

A statement by the deputy chief press secretary, office of the deputy governor, Ior Ikyereve, yesterday in Makurdi said the governor convened a high level security meeting on Friday at the palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo, bringing together the Idoma traditional council and top security officials in the state.

According to the statement, the deputy governor, Sam Ode, who stood in for Governor Hyacinth Alia, raised deep concern over the abduction.

He said, “We need to deepen our discussions and take decisive action to restore peace and safety to our communities.

“It has been over a week since the children including six girls and three boys were taken during a midnight prayer session at Saint John the Cross Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon.”

Earlier, during his visit to the church to console grieving parents, Alia assured that the government was working tirelessly for the safe rescue of the children.

“We share in your pain and urge you not to lose hope. Our security agencies are doing everything possible to rescue the children, and those responsible will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

Many church members now gather daily at the worship center to pray for the safe return of their loved ones.

The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, during the meeting at his palace, expressed grave concern over the rising insecurity in Idoma land.

He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and end the wave of violence in the region.

The traditional ruler also urged enforcement of the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which he believes is vital to ending the cycle of killings and unrest caused by security lapses.

Representing the Benue State police commissioner, DCP. Asuquo O.S. informed attendees that the Inspector-General of Police had ordered the deployment of a tactical team to the area.