The killings of innocent persons in Benue State is being perpetrated by persons within Benue state and not from outside the state.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia made the allegations while expressing concern over the recent killings in Ukum Local Government Area of the state, lamenting that the killings were not perpetrated by outsiders but by people within the state.
Recall that last Saturday morning, unidentified gunmen attacked Akpuna village in Ukum LGA, killing over 30 persons and injuring many others.
When Governor Alia visited the affected areas on Tuesday, he expressed shock at the level of carnage and destruction in the affected areas and said it was unacceptable.
“The people of Benue are very saddened. The Saturday of the killings was a dark Saturday for the state. This is not something we pray for, hope for, or strive for. “There are several versions of the story. I believe that the people who are the narrators here are speaking reality when they are speaking off-camera.
“They know full well those who were complicit in this inhumane attack.
“They are well aware of those who were complicit in this inhumane attack. But this will not be tolerated. Benue is a peaceful place and peace must be restored to Benue.
“We must ensure that this will never happen again.
“Ukum Autonomous Prefecture is the headquarters of the Yam in the state. Everyday, tons of lorries leave here loaded with yams. So we don’t want to do anything to tarnish that image. I advise the young people of Akpuna.
“We may be gaining notoriety in the three municipalities of Logo, Katsina Ala, and Ukum. The President is aware of this, is saddened by it, and does not want this for the good people of Benue.
“We must rebuild Benue and make things work. We must rebuild Benue and make things work. If anyone incites you or misleads you, let me know. Benue is for peace.
“The attackers have come for soft targets. Law and order must be upheld. Law and order must be upheld. If they cannot be dealt with immediately, they will let my office know.
When everything is ready, they will return for the burial.” Benue is a peaceful place and we do not want anything to tarnish this image.
‘This is a murder from the inside. No one came from the outside to kill. You, my brothers, are killing each other.
Entire villages have been wiped out. If Benue is not good enough for you, then leave this province. But if you stay in Benue, you must obey law and order. There are no two ways about this, ” Gov Alia insisted.
