By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The House of Representatives Member representing Gwer-East/Gwer-West Federal Constituency, Arc. Dr Asema Achado has condemned the heinous attack on the Wandor community, Mbaikyor, in Mbalom Council Ward of Gwer East Local Government Area, by armed herdsmen.
The herder’s brutal assault resulted in the killing of over twenty innocent persons, with many others sustaining severe injuries and extensive destruction of property worth millions of naira late in the evening on Thursday.
In a press statement, Mr. Mendah Manasseh, Personal Assistant on Media and Publicity said, “Hon. Achado describes the attack as unprovoked, barbaric and unacceptable”.
Dr Achado sent his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims during this time of deep sorrow and mourning.
The federal lawmaker says the unfortunate attack on the people of Gwer-East is one too many, citing similar incidents in Sankara, Kwande and Agatu, with over 100 people recently murdered by armed herders.
He expresses worry that aside from the continued spate of killings in Benue State, rising cases of kidnapping and displacement of people are already destroying economic activities, a development he fears can lead to widespread hunger and poverty in the coming months.
Hon Achado encourages the people of Gwer-East and other parts of Benue State affected by the attacks to remain vigilant and united in the face of adversity, urging the people to always support security agencies with useful and timely information.
He is however disappointed in the manner that the Benue State Government has been handling the security situation in the state by choosing to launch media attacks on its perceived opponents while ignoring the genuine concerns of the people. It is instructive that Governor Alia has neither visited any of the villages attacked by the herdsmen nor provided any tangible logistics support like patrol vehicles or bikes to any of the security agencies in the state, since his inauguration.
Hon Achado says the influx of herdsmen into the state with thousands of cattle and the resultant attacks underscore the urgent need for proactive measures to guarantee security and safeguard the lives and property of the people.
He appeals to Governor Hyacinth Alia to deploy the same energy, passion and resources used in attacking political opponents to address the armed herdsmen menace and pave the way for the displaced people to return to their ancestral lands.!
He stresses that the safety of every Benue person must be a top priority, calling on the Benue State Government to match words with action in its promise to enforce the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law of the state, as a panacea for the mindless attacks on the people.
Hon. Achado equally appeals to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and save the Benue people from further bloodshed at the hands of the terrorists.
