By Chris Agabi
Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, expresses deep sadness over the news of the unprovoked attacks on the Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, where innocent residents have reportedly been gruesomely murdered.
Eye witness account put the death toll at over 32 as at the time of filling this report. There has been none official confirmation and Economy Footprint cannot independently verify the claim.
A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor was silent on the alleged perpetrators of the heinous crime but eye witnesses account alleged the killings where done by perons suspected to be Fulani herders.
“The Governor strongly condemned this attack on unarmed innocent citizens of Benue State by suspected armed herders, expressing worry that such a heinous act has continued in the state despite the efforts of his administration to ensure the safety of his people” the statement said.
The governor made a firm determination to continue to use lawful procedures to protect Benue people, with a charge on security personnel to improve their surveillance and also ensure that vulnerable communities are not left unguarded, the statement indicated.
He said, “I can assure you, the perpetrators of this act will pay dearly for it. They may think they are not known, but they cannot be allowed to continue perpetrating this. It’s a matter of time”.
He condoled with the families that have lost their loved ones in the attack and equally sympathizes with those injured, saying his thoughts of comfort and prayers are with them at this difficult time, promising to ensure the perpetrators are brought to face the full wrath of the law.
