By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
Gov. Hyacinth Iormem Alia has appealed to Benue citizens to speak up, share information with security agencies, to help fish out the perpetrators of evil acts against the people of the state, saying, “our strength lies in our unity”.
Addressing the state on his official Facebook page on the killings in Ukum and Logo local governments on Friday, Gov. Alia said, “it is with a heavy heart that I address the people of Benue State regarding the recent coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen on our beloved communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas”.
He revealed that, “as of this moment, we have confirmed the tragic loss of twenty (20) precious lives in the Sankera axis. Five corpses were initially recovered in Gbagir and taken to the mortuary. Two more were later found by residents searching for their loved ones”.
He added that, “one family, devastated by their loss, insisted on an immediate burial of their relative in Gbagir, and our security forces stood by them, ensuring their safety as they laid their relative to rest”.
Gov. Alia further said in Logo local government, the police recovered twelve more bodies, bringing the total number of lives lost to twenty, pointing out that, “these are not just numbers; these are fathers, mothers, children, brothers, and sisters whose lives were cut short by senseless violence”.
“I have spoken directly with our security operatives and I want to assure you, we are not backing down. We remain committed to protecting every Benue life and will continue to work relentlessly to restore peace and order to our communities”.
He warned that, “Benue will not bow to fear. We will rise, rebuild, and remain unshaken”.
The AUTHORITY recall that, earlier in the week communities in Otukpo and Apa were attacked by suspected Fulani herdsmen who gruesomely murdered over twenty persons and left many in various critical conditions.
Joe Abuchi
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