Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered a 24-hour curfew in the state’s Ukum Local Government Area following a protest and deaths in the area.
Shortly after the security council meeting, Alia announced the curfew at a press conference in Benue’s capital, Makurdi.
According to Alia’s representative, Sam Ode, the deputy governor of Benue, the curfew was imposed “due to the rampant destruction of government properties and threats to lives in the area.”
The governor expressed shock at the security challenges in Ukum, which he said have “resulted in lawlessness, destruction of government properties, and threats to lives”.
He urged all stakeholders and security agencies to adhere strictly to the curfew to safeguard residents and their properties.
“Subsequently, the curfew will be from 6 pm to 6 am, starting Thursday, July 4, until further notice,” the governor said.
In a show of protest over the reported ongoing killings in the region, several young people seized the Ayati-Sai route in Ukum LGA on Wednesday and barricaded it.
The protesters also invaded the council secretariat in Zaki Biam, damaging properties to express their dissatisfaction over the “government’s indifference” to the alleged killings.
Sewuese Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, said all tactical teams had been deployed to reinforce security in the area.
