Two Soldiers, Three Locals Killed By Herdsmen In Benue Community
The Benue State Government has confirmed the killing of two soldiers by herdsmen in Turan, Jato Aka, Kwande Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, while the leadership of the Mzough U Tiv (MUT) has confirmed the killing of three locals from the area.
Although the state government did not give further details of the attacks, INDEPENDENT gathered that apart from the three locals that were killed in the attack, several others were injured during the attack.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Executive Council (SEC) unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the state governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, during its session that was held at Government House, Makurdi on Thursday.
In a statement signed by Sir Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary (CPS), to Governor Hyacinth Alia, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Monday, the CPS noted that the vote of confidence was moved by the Deputy Governor, Barr Sam Ode.
Barr Ode had observed that the resolution was necessary “amid growing political and social challenges” currently faced by the state, particularly, the escalating security challenges in the state.
While Ode noted that “the adept handling of the situation, and the efforts of the governor in reconnecting Benue with the central government” was worthy of note, he appreciated the enhanced cooperation from security agencies in focusing on the security situations bedeviling the state.
According to Kula, “The Deputy Governor bemoaned the tragic loss of two gallant soldiers from the Nigerian Army, who were murdered by armed herders while on duty, protecting civilians in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area.
“Seconding the motion (of the vote of confidence), Rev. Fredrick Ikyaan, Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, reiterated the opinions of fellow Commissioners and Advisers, and appreciated the Governor’s steadfast leadership despite the many challenges.
“Speaking on behalf of the Principal Officers at the Exco, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Rt. Hon. Paul Biam, restated the usefulness of recognizing the Governor’s contributions, stating “to whom honour is due, honour should be given.”
Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia who expressed gratitude to members of the Exco, appreciated them for the show of faith in him and his administration.
While assuring that the support would spur him to go all out with programmes that would better the lot of the people of the state, the Governor appealed to his cabinet members and the entire Benue people, to sustain the faith, belief and backing for his administration in the overall interest of the state.
“This vote of confidence expresses a unified viewpoint within the Benue State government, building up the commitment to focus on the pressing challenges confronting the state and to foster a safe and prosperous atmosphere for all citizens”, the CPS added.
On the attack on Jato Aka, by armed herdsmen, INDEPENDENT learned that a total of five persons, including two soldiers lost their lives to the attack, while several others were wounded.
The identify of two of the locals that lost their lives in the incident are, Yenge Kwaghkuga and Bem Adughigbudu, while the identify of one of the victims and two of the soldiers is yet to be ascertained.
The President General of MUT, worldwide, CP Iorbee Ihagh, rtd, appealed to Governor Alia, to intensify efforts at improving the security situation of the people of the state, even as he called on the people of Benue to always defend themselves against external aggression.
Community leaders have sent out appeals for increased security in the area, just as we gathered that about 12 trucks loaded with security personnel were deployed to the area on Thursday.
The attacks which occurred on Wednesday left in its wake a crippled economic activity, food stuff destroyed and schools hurriedly closed down.
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