Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has disclosed that his government has asked for complete military assistance to combat insecurity in the state’s embattled Ukum Local Government Area.
The governor made this statement on Thursday during his state-wide broadcast about the crisis that shook Ukum LG on Wednesday.
Alia had earlier declared curfew in the affected LG following a violent protest which led to the destruction of personal and government properties.
The protest was triggered by the killing of some people in Ayati village.
The state Police Public Relations Officer SP Catherine Anene said on Thursday that Hassan Yabanet, the state Commissioner of Police, had moved to the volatile LG, and that 18 individuals had been detained in connection with the violent demonstration.
While addressing the residents, the governor disclosed that his administration is stepping up efforts to collaborate with security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, and that his government will soon establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the mayhem.
He called on criminals troubling the state to embrace the government gestures to repent and vowed that he would no longer guarantee the hands of fellowship extended to them, saying his administration had run out of patience.
The governor extended his warm greetings to security men who sustained injury while keeping peace during the violent protest.
Alia said, “The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities.
