Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed sadness over the attack on Anwase community in Kwande local government area, where some residents were murdered on Christmas Day with a charge to security agencies to bring the perpetrators to book.
A statement by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, quoted the governor as strongly condemning the attack by suspected armed herders.
“I am deeply worried that such a heinous act has continued in the state despite the efforts of my administration to ensure the safety of the Benue people where ever they are.
“My determination is to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, and I am charging security personnel to improve on their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities are not left unguarded.
“I can assure you, the perpetrators of this act will pay dearly for it. They may think they are not known, but they cannot be allowed to continue perpetrating this. It’s a matter of time,” he said.
Governor Alia also condoled with bereaved families and sympathised with those injured, saying his thoughts prayers were with them at this difficult time, with a promise to ensure that the perpetrators are equally brought to face the wrath of the law.
He also expressed condolences to his colleague and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi over the death of his mother, Hajiya Maryam Namadi and his son, Abdulwahab Umar.
