The Benue State Government has stated that it will begin a probe into the cause of the crisis that occurred in the Sankera axis of the state, News About Nigeria reports.
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, disclosed this in a live broadcast in Makurdi.
Recall that bandits attacked the Ayati community in Borikyo Council Ward of the LGA of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Tuesday night and murdered some of the residents.
The attack resulted in an angry protest on Wednesday that was eventually hijacked by alleged criminals who went razing personal and public properties in Sankera.
Reacting to the attacks, Governor Alia sympathised with the victims and decried the activities of the bandits and the mayhem unleashed on innocent persons, including the destruction of properties in Ukum LGA.
He noted that full military action had been deployed to tackle the menace of armed bandits terrorising the area.
He also noted that the two officers injured in the line of duty were treated and discharged.
“Since the advent of our administration, several efforts have been put in place to eliminate the activities of bandits. Consequently, the combined efforts of our security agencies pushed back some bandits from their hideouts and subsequently neutralised two bandits, recovered seven motorcycles, two English pistols, a Toyota Camry, and commercial tricycle, and lots of charms.
“As a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft targets and killed six civilians at Ayati, believing that the members of the Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations, locations and handouts.
“This led to an initial protest of anger and frustration of family members and women regarding the killings of their loved ones on the Ayati-Sai road down to Sankera, understandable. I have heard the genuine cries of those aggrieved families.
“Regrettably, these peaceful protests were hijacked by bandits and miscreants who had carefully planned to undertake and unleash mayhem on businesses and peace-loving people of Sankera.
“I assure you that I have listened. The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities.
“Full military intervention has been ordered. My heart goes out to the three soldiers and two police officers who were wounded in the line of duty protecting lives and properties of citizens in Sakara,” he stated.
He further noted that no matter the pain and frustration felt, the people must channel their energies towards constructive actions, adding that destruction of public property and chaos will only compound the challenges and divert resources that could be better used to address the root causes of these issues.
The Governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents of Benue
