Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue State, has strongly condemned Tuesday’s terrorists’ attack on Abande community in Kwande Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement on Wednesday, Alia said the bandits invaded the village market on Tuesday, which was the community’s market day, and opened fire on traders.
Five persons, including a police officer, were killed, while several houses were set ablaze, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Edet Udeme, spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command.
Alia, in the statement signed Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary, directed relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas.
He charged security agencies to “go after the perpetrators with all energies at their disposal, and restore safety to the communities”.
The governor said, “the terrorists have dared the state and the Nigerian security system once more and must be attended to in the language they understand better.”
He expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the unfortunate incident.
“This cowardly act of terror, which claimed innocent lives, including a gallant police officer, and led to the destruction of homes, is an assault on our shared humanity and an affront to the peace and security of Benue State.
“I extend my sincerest condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Abande community at this painful time.
“May I assure the peace loving people of Benue that this government will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property”, Alia said.
He assured that the state government is strengthening its collaboration with federal security authorities and local intelligence structures to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that such attacks are prevented.
Alia condemns attack on Kwande community, orders security agencies to fish out perpetrators
