Benue District head loses wife, two children in Ukum violence
...As Gov Alia vows to bring perpetrators to justice
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The violent protest embarked upon by Benue youths on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 has claimed the lives of the wife and two children of the District Head of Borikyo Ward, in Ukum Local Government Area LGA of the state.
The traditional ruler, Chief Joseph Unongo, disclosed this when the State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, visited his Community for an on-the-spot assessment tour in Zaki-Biam, to assess the level of destruction caused by the violence.
Unongo, who was visibly heartbroken, said his wife and two children were burnt inside his house during the violence.
Addressing the community during the visit, Governor Hyacinth Alia assured the people of Ukum Local Government Area in the Sankera axis that normalcy will soon return to the area.
Governor Alia, who noted that the Wednesday incident was carried out by some criminal elements who claimed to be protesters, vowed to bring perpetrators to justice.
The Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, described the actions as “barbaric” and reiterated that the government will not tolerate anything less than peace and security of lives and properties in the area.
He stated that the curfew imposed on the area from 6pm to 6am daily will remain in place until further notice.
He commended the security agencies in the state for standing strong in ensuring that peace and normalcy returns to the area, and called on all stakeholders to embrace peace and give progress a chance.
Governor Alia said his visit to Ukum was to show solidarity with the affected communities and to reiterate government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
The Police Commissioner in the state Mr. Hassan Yabanet also reassured residents that normalcy has returned to the area, and there is no cause for alarm. “We are on top of the situation,” he said.
Also speaking, another victim, the Chaplain of St Paul Nursery, Primary and Secondary School spoke about the destruction caused to his school.
During the tour, the Governor’s delegation visited several locations, including Ukum Local Government Secretariat, INEC office, Government College Zaki Biam, Benue State High Court, Benue Links Park, St Paul Nursery Primary and Secondary School, Magistrate Court, Federal Road Safety Corps, and the Police Station.
