By Bridget Ikyado
Abuja, April 7, 2023
The Governor-elect of Benue, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the brutal killings of 46 persons in Umogidi community of Entekpa-Adoka district in Otukpo Local Government Area of the State.
Fr. Alia made this condemnation on Friday in a statement signed by Donald Kumun, Deputy Director of Communications, Alia/OdeAbuja 2023 Campaign Organization.
Alia said that the barbaric act was allegedly carried out by herdsmen barely 24 hours after the same village was attacked and killed three persons.
The governor-elect sympathised with the families of the deceased and condoled with the entire community.
He urged members of Umogidi community and the entire Benue people to remain calm and law-abiding amidst their sorrows and pains.
The cleric called on the security agencies to conduct surveillance to identify the perpetrators behind the killings and nip it in the bud for peace to be restored in the communities.
Alia assured the community and others affected by the attacks of his resilience to work with relevant security agencies and communities in the state to stop the senseless killings when he is sworn-in in May.
“I am saddened over the killings and I call on the government at all levels to be more proactive to quell the insecurity challenges in the state and also stay close to the bereaved families in these trying times.
“My fraternal prayers are with the souls of the deceased to rest in perfect peace, and peace should take prominence in the communities, in the interest of all and sundry,” he said.