Benue State Governor, Fr. Hyacinth Alia has cried out over the incessant attacks and killings in the state by suspected militias and has ordered joint security operations to move into the most affected areas including Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas to halt the killings in the area.
Alia who gave the marching orders after an emergency security council meeting at the government house in Makurdi on Monday, said he was saddened with the rampant and relentless attacks and killing of innocent people in the state.
It is unclear how effective such an order would be, and how seriously the security agencies in the state would take his orders, which many analysts have described as futile, and vain attempts to sound tough and give an impression of being on top of the situation.
This is because governors wield no real, or constitutional powers over any of the official security agencies in the country, as they are all federal establishments, and their leadership take directives from the federal government.
However, in a statement he posted on his Facebook page, the governor said the unprovoked killings in the state were unacceptable and he would not sit idle while communities are turned into killing fields.
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“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks,” he wrote.
“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.
“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.
“This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
“More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground. I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty.”
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