6th March,2020

The Honorable Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Dr George Akume, fnim has condemned and expressed his deep shock and grief over the recent attacks and killings of some indigenes of Waya in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen.

The Honourable Minister described the incident as most gruesome and called on the law enforcement agents to bring the culprits to justice.

The also stressed that the deliberate killings of humans by whoever and for whatever reason is totally unacceptable, as it goes completely against the will of God.

He therefore,called for renewed concerted efforts by all critical stakeholders at the Federal and Benue State Government levels, regardless of party affiliations,religious backgrounds and ethnic alignments to team up with the Governor of Benue State Government,Samuel Ortom in averting the perennial attacks by herdsmen and other forms of crimes and criminalities such as cultism and kidnapping in Benue State.

While commending the efforts so far made by the Benue State and Federal Government in curbing the ugly menace and activities of herdsmen in some parts of Benue State and other parts of the federation,the Hon. Minister called for more and stronger collaborative initiatives,efforts and support from all well meaning individuals,private organizations and peace ambassadors in putting an end to the incessant cases of violent herdsmen attacks and other forms of criminalities in Benue and some other parts of the country.

The Honourable Minister emphasized the need for improved security surveillance of Benue State boundaries and the country’s borderlands as a way of curtailing smuggling of arms and ammunition as well as influx of foreign mercenaries and armed herdsmen into the country and Benue State.

On his part, the Honourable Minister,Dr George Akume promised the Benue State Government of his maximum cooperation,support and collaboration in her desire to achieving peace and stability in the state,and prayed God to grant the Government and people of Benue State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,and the victims eternal rest in the Kingdom of God.