From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has vowed that all criminal elements who have been operating with impunity in Benue State will be brought to justice.
The IGP who made the vow during a visit to Benue State on Monday to commiserate with the people on the murder of over 200 persons in Yelwata at the weekend, described the incident as ‘tragic’
IG Egbetokun who also, moved to Yelwata in company of Governor Hyacinth Alia to assess the level of destruction, said the mindless attack is an attack on the sovereignity of the nation.
Said he: “Am in Benue to commiserate with you on the tragic attack on Yelwata and to assure the people that we will bring the criminal elements to justice as well as bring lasting peace to the State.
“I condole with the State Government and bereaved communities. The President is saddened and is committed that this rein of attacks are stopped. We will work with you and other security agencies to bring a lasting solution to the State.
“We are aware of the vast terrain of the State, we will not be able to cover all the communities but we will deploy enough men. These criminal elements may have operated with impunity in the past but the days are approaching when they will no longer do so. We will defeat this evil”.
Benue Governor Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia who lauded the IGP for responding promptly to the senseless carnage that took place in Yelwata at the weekend, maintained that there was no cause for the blood bath.
The Governor said, “We appreciate you for responding promptly to our request and for supporting our fight in the State. The very day the carnage took place you called to condole iwith us. We are bleeding, we are in sorrow I believe your visit will build our spirit and give us the assurance that we are not alone. Your team here have been working to support us.
“From the number of 17 LGAs, we trimmed it down to 6 but unfortunately there has been an upsurge. The various units you deployed have been supportive and we are grateful.
“Your presence will rekindle hope in the people. We are hopeful that all hands will be on deck, we will be victorious and this sorrowful narrative will be a thing of the past”.
