Condemns Buruku Communal Clash
Yemi Obafemi
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has directed security agencies to swiftly identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing of two Igede youths along the Awajir-Oju road.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable.
According to security reports, the victims were travelling on a motorcycle from Oju when they were ambushed and killed in cold blood.
The Governor also decried a separate incident in Nyifon community, Mbaikyongo Ward of Buruku Local Government Area, where a violent attack reportedly carried out by youths from the neighboring Mbayaka community in Kusuv, also in Buruku LGA, erupted following a dispute related to a boat mishap.
Describing both incidents as “unfortunate and unprovoked,” Governor Alia warned that no individual or group has the right to invade another community or take the law into their own hands under any circumstance.
Governor Alia instructed security operatives to collaborate with traditional rulers in the affected areas and thoroughly comb the surroundings.
He gave a 48-hour ultimatum for the perpetrators to be identified and brought to justice.
“Benue is beginning to enjoy a new level of security and stability,” he stated. “I will not tolerate any attempt by anyone, regardless of their status or intentions to incite violence or undermine the peace we are working hard to sustain,” he stated.
The Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also urged all communities across the state to remain calm, law-abiding, and allow investigations to proceed unhindered.
