By Chiangi Avese, Makurdi
The National Security Adviser to the President, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has warned those exploiting the insecurity in Benue State for personal gain to cease forthwith as ” we are committed to supporting the Governor in tackling insecurity”.
The NSA who was speaking shortly on arrival at the Benue State Government House on Tuesday said, “we acknowledge the Governor’s efforts to combat insecurity and will continue to support him to defeat this menace”.
“The President has instructed me to convey his determination to bring an end to insecurity,” Mallam Ribadu said.
Insecurity in Benue State, caused by herdsmen militia and recently criminal bandits, has left scores of people dead, properties worth billions of naira destroyed, just as countless number of people including the aged, children and women in Internally Displaced People’s Camps across the State.
In the last two weeks, the situation exacerbated with at least fifty persons officially confirmed killed in different parts of the state despite the State government’s concerted efforts at peace.
A traditional ruler, Chief Iorkyaa Kaave, Ter Ukum, earlier on Tuesday disclosed at a security meeting in Makurdi that another attack on Afia community in the early hours killed eleven persons, some missing with many critically injured.
In the last week’s attacks by armed herders in Logo and Ukum local governments, lives of over 50 farmers was cut short causing fear and anguish in survivors.
While appealing to the Federal Government for intervention, Chief Kaave wondered why herdsmen who came with cattles during the dry seasons in times past to graze are now killing to take over our lands, adding that, the attacks which were sporadic are now coordinated and sustained.
