…Warns against politicizing same
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) is set to do everything possible to ensure that the incessant attacks on Benue communities leading to wanton loss of lives and destruction of property is brought to a permanent end.
Relatedly, Benue people have been cautioned against politicizing these attacks but rather join hands together towards finding lasting solutions to the issue.
The National Security Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, gave this assurance Tuesday at Government House, Makurdi when he led a Federal Government delegation to commiserate with the Government and people of Benue State over the recent attacks on Benue communities across the state which led to the loss several lives and properties.
Mallam Ribadu said he was in the State on the directive of President Tinubu to convey his condolences and assure Benue people that he (the President) and the entire nation is with them.
According to him, “This is a trying period for all of us. It is a moment of sorrow and this is when you will know those who are with you, we are hundred percent with you. It is a tragedy, an evil that has visited Benue State just like a couple of other places.”
The National Security Adviser who noted that the state enjoyed relative peace which was unfortunately shortlived leading to a rude awakening that calls for action, added that “When evil comes, good people must come together to confront it.
“I want to give you the assurance that the Federal Government of Nigeria is with you. We will work together, we will address this problem together, we will fight and we will defeat it.
“Benue is an extremely important state in Nigeria especially owing to it’s status as the Food Basket of the Nation. So, we have to fight to maintain it.
“Already, the state Governor is doing very well, so we want to join hands and support him so we can work together as one.
“It is unfortunate that this type of thing happens some times and even though it is almost impossible to deploy security personnel to every hamlet, when it happens, you see them responding.
“I can assure you that we will work with the Governor to ensure that peace returns to Benue State.”
He appealed to those politicizing the attacks to desist saying, “It is not fair. There are areas you should not allow politics to come in. They are being unfair to us all as a people.
Mallam Ribadu who recalled that the Tinubu administration took over leadership when the security situation of the country was extremely bad noted that with concerted efforts, there is great improvement and assured of sustenance.
“The Benue scenario is another challenge and we will address it,” he declared.
Responding, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the National Security Adviser for their great show of love for the Government and people of the State.
The Governor who acknowledged the support of the Federal Government to the state towards tackling the issue of insecurity, appealed for more action in order to bring it to a total end saying by so doing, those who have been displaced and are living in various camps across the state will return to their ancestral homes and resume their normal lives.
Earlier in their various remarks, the Director General, Homeland Security, Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan (Rtd); the Ter Tyôshin, HRH Chief Daniel Abomtse; the Tor Sankera, HRH Chief David Sev-Av who was represented by the Ter Ukum; Chief Orkar Kaave; the Ad’Agatu, Chief Godwin Onah and Senator representing Benue North-East, Sen. Emmanuel Udende as well as Member representing Katsina-Ala, Logo and Ukum at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo among others lamented the untold hardship ocassioned by the incessant attacks on Benue people and called on the Federal Government to accentuate on the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law that is in force in the state.
Also on the Federal Government delegation were Sen. Shehu Bubwa, Chairman, Senate Committee on Security as well as Senator representing Benue North-West, Sen. Titus Zam.
