By DAVID IORJA, Abuja –
President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the people of Benue state over the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on parts of Logo and Guma local government areas of the state.
The President, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media & Publicity), Garba Shehe in Abuja on Saturday, said that and all members his administration condemn the recent attacks in Benue, which reportedly resulted in the killing of over 20 persons .
“It is unacceptable for lives to be taken by herdsmen and farmers alike,” the statement said.
The rest of the statement reads:
“No one should attack anyone because of their way of life. Neither should anyone take revenge on others for injustice done to them. Both should be held accountable for their actions, and justice delivered.
“It is equally unacceptable for the lives of those merely practising their duties as police officers and government officials to also be lost. Government will hold those that took those lives to account.
“There are many times when President Buhari and Governor Ortom of Benue State have disagreed politically. But, today, the President puts all these aside, to reach out to the Governor to express the heartfelt condolences of the nation for what has occurred in recent days.
“The President pledges the full support of the Federal administration in assisting him, his State government, and people of Benue with resources to investigate what has occurred.
“When tragedies like this occur, we must remember first and foremost that we are all Nigerians.
“Politics too often gets in the way of what is best for our nation. Too often, it divides us. As those who have been entrusted with leadership by our citizens, we have a duty to remember that, and do everything we can to bridge divisions and come together in the interests of all our people.
According to media reports, a Police officer and 22 others were killed in the fresh armed herdsmen attack on Gbeji community and Police Station in Ukum Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state about three days ago.
In the attack, 12 other persons, including women, who received serious machete cuts, were said to be in critical conditions as of Thursday.
It was gathered that the marauders who stormed the community at about 3am on Wednesday sneaked into the community from Tseke village, a border community located within Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba states, said a report in the Vanguard.
Chairman of Ukum Local Government Area, Hon. Kartyo Tyoumbur, was quoted to have confirmed the incident and lamented that the attack was unprovoked.
Leave a Reply