By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Following the attack and killing of 10 residents of Saai community in Mbajir ward, Katsina Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State, the State Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed the relevant security agencies to launch a manhunt for perpetrators of the heinous crime.
He said this is to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law and ensure the safety of farmers.
The ugly incident occurred on Wednesday when the assailants, alleged to be herdsmen, visited the community, attacked and left 10 persons dead while many others sustained various degrees of injury.
A statement by Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, quoted the governor as describing the tragedy as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens.”
Governor Alia lamented that, “this attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly as it came at a crucial time when hardworking farmers who have returned to their ancestral lands, were cultivating their farms.
”These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”
Governor Alia, according to the statement, expressed deep condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragedy, adding that, “my heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention; we pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Saai community during this period of immense grief.”
The governor urged the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged, insisting that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment “to protecting your lives and your livelihoods.”
While assuring that his government would not allow the forces of darkness to drive them away from their lands or dampen their spirits, he also disclosed that “we are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve.”
The governor also directed that additional security personnel be deployed to Saai and the surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.
He called for calm and urged the people to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post, assuring that “we will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state.”
Meanwhile, General Manager (GM), Benue Links, the State-owned transport company, Mr. Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, has declared that there is no alternative to Gov. Alia in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the Middle Belt state.
Addressing a group of journalists in his office in Makurdi, the state capital, the GM emphasized that the governor has performed creditably, achieved a lot for the people of the state, insisting that he deserves to be re-elected to continue with what he described as his good work.
Fanafa explained that Gov. Alia in the last three years has made tremendous improvement on the lives of Benue people, stressing that the people have tasted and now know how capable the governor has been in the execution of projects that have direct impact on their lives.
The GM revealed that Gov. Alia provided 100 buses to the company to ease transportation problems, constructed several roads in all parts of the state, among other things, for the benefit of people of the state.
He told journalists that when he took over as the GM three years ago, there were about 20 vehicles left in the company’s fleet, but after the provision of the 100 buses by the governor, the company also procured about 30 additional vehicles alongside employing about 130 drivers.
While stressing that there was no casual staff member in the company as directed by the governor, the GM maintained that all employees were on permanent basis with none earning less than N75,000, which is the state’s minimum wage.
According to the GM, the company has continued to aggressively train its drivers to equip them for optimal performance, explaining that in addition to the initial training before commencement of work, Benue Links also organises weekly training for them for better and improved services.
He emphasized that the company, under his watch, has not only provided additional permanent parks, opened more routes in about 33 states, it has also tackled adequately the perennial water-log issue at the headquarters which used to suffer over-flooding each rainy season .
Additionally, Benue Links has commenced online booking for its vehicles at the convenience of the passengers, he said.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Fanafa.
