Bandit Attacks: Alia Inaugurates Commission Of Inquiry To Unravel Culprits

Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia has inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances/attacks in Ukum local government area and other matters connected therewith.

This is even as the governor has named Abuja politicians as being behind local bandits‘ attacks on Benue communities especially the recent attacks in Ukum local government where several persons were killed with public and private properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

Performing the inauguration at Government House, Makurdi, Governor Alia said it was imperative to set up a Commission of Inquiry in response to the incessant security breaches in Ukum LG and its environs and in fulfillment of his administration‘s constitutional duty of protecting the lives and property of Benue people.

According to him, „it was important to inquire into the root cause(s) of the disturbances/attacks in Ukum and its environs with a view to taking appropriate actions in the interest of the Benue people.“
The committee‘s terms of reference include inquiring into, and investigate and ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the incessant disturbances/attacks/security breaches in Ukum and the number of communities affected.

“Identify the person, group of persons or association(s) that are involved in the security breaches in the area and make recommendations as to the measures to be taken against such person or group of persons or associations.

“Investigate and determine the actual number of lives and properties lost as a result of the disturbances/attacks and ascertain the persons directly affected by same.

Have full powers to hold hearings in public and/or in camera and to summon any individual, group or association with vital information regarding the disturbances/attacks to give oral or written evidence as the case may be.

Make general or specific recommendations on short- and long-term measures to forestall future occurrences of such disturbances/attacks in Ukum and its environs,“ he said.

A statement by the Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Isaac Uzaan named members of the committee to include; Justice Samson Itodo (Rtd) – chairman; Ngufan Ahenjir – secretary; Felix Iber,
Timothy Atondo Ayakpam as members, while Enyikwola Ejembi is the lead counsel.

While congratulating them on their well-deserved appointment, Governor Alia expressed confidence in their pedigrees and wealth of experience, believing that they would deliver excellently on the task assigned to them.

In a remark, Justice Samson Itodo, who spoke on behalf of the committee noted with immense gratitude the recognition the governor accorded them to embark on such a task, saying they have accepted it and that they would work tirelessly to justify the confidence reposed in them.