From our correspondent, in Makurdi
The Benue state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has challenged Governor Hyacinth Alia to rise to the occasion and safeguard the lives and property of Benue Citizens.
The challenge is against the background of frequent killings that have bedevilled the State in recent time.
The APC urged the governor to stop acting helplessly while innocent lives are being lost.
The party also, condemned the trivial narratives being peddled around by the security situation in the State, especially the idea that herdsmen were invited into the state via a letter, and the unfortunate denial of herdsmen attacks by Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula.
The APC made the condemnation in a press statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Daniel Ihomun Friday, maintaining that such statements clearly undermine efforts to put the crisis in proper perspectives for appropriate security action.
The party extended deep sympathy over the barbaric and wanton killing of innocent civilians in Gbagir and Wa-Ndoo Communities in Ukum and Gwer-East Local Government Areas of Benue state respectively where over 60 persons were murdered by internal and external aggressors
It called for practical implementation of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law enacted to bring sanity to cattle business in the state and protect lives and property of the people of Benue state.
The party also called on security agencies to do their job of maintaining law and order by fishing out the culprits and making sure such do not repeat itself so that peace will reign in every part of Benue State.
“The continuous killing of defenseless villagers in Benue communities indicate that this crisis requires a much more deeper and sincere approach devoid of any political coloration.
“The party commends members of the Benue Caucus in the National Assembly for their various motions calling on the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of the people of Benue State including the recent one by Senator Representing Benue North East, Sen. Emmanuel Udende who raised a Matter of Urgent National importance at the senate. We equally thank the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio for his prompt action on the matter.
“The APC assures the communities that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has the state at heart and would do the needful for peace to return to Benue State.
“We call on the National Emergency Management Agency to come to the aide of the communities affected and provide succour to the people”, the statement read in part.
