From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Chairman of Logo Local Government Area LGA of Benue state, Hon. Benjamin Uzenda, has disclosed that the government of Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia is putting strong security measures in place to ensure that the Benue people especially Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), go back to their ancestral homes and sleep with their two eyes closed.
Uzenda who called on the Benue citizens to give Governor Alia maximum support stated that the security arrangements includes dislodging all criminal elements especially bandits in the Sankera axis to ensure that framers go back to their farm and residents go about their legitimate businesses without fear of attacks.
The Chairman made the call when he received his course mates; Set 2013, History Department, Benue State University, (BSU) Makurdi, on a congratulatory visit, in his Makurdi residence t the weekend.
He lamented that several people in Logo LG have been displaced for over 10 years and counting while over 700 persons have been killed in two communities alone.
He said “Our people have been suffering. Even before I became the LG chairman, I feel bad anytime I go home to see our people. For more that 10 years, we don’t have access to our homeland. When I look at our situation, I become very sad.
“But right now, the Governor is working round the clock to bring our people back to their ancestral lands. This has been our prayers and it will be answered soon.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia is putting measures and policies in place to ensure their return is successful. We can’t tell you the details but soon our people will go back home.
“Since 2014, Logo LG has been badly hit especially the people of Tombu and Ukembregya Tswarev communities. In Tombu alone, more that 200 people have been killed between 2014 till date. If I should give you the figure that fits, I will say close to 700 people have been killed in that community.
“In Ukembregya Tswarev alone, more than 300 persons has been killed from then till date.
“But now that Governor Alia is here and doing well, the Benue people should give him support to lead the Benue of their dreams.
“I am also on ground in Logo to complement the good work the Governor is doing at the state level. I have been convincing my people to support and key into the visions and mission of this Government not just by words of mouth but by actions.
Round the state, the Governor is working tirelessly to ensure the Benue people sleep without fear, that the people have good roads and have opportunities to put foods on their tables. So, it is important to support the Governor to do more.”
Earlier, Uzenda appreciated his course mates for the visit and solicited their prayers and continued support especially for the success of his election bid in the forthcoming LG election.
He also appreciated the Governor Alia for giving him the opportunity to serve his people and the House of Representatives member Representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, Prince Solomon Solomon Wombo, for his support and in ensuring he does the right thing pledging not to disappoint them.
Leader of the delegation and Class Rep of History Class Set 2013, Mr Derick Jootar, said they had visited to celebrate Hon. Udzenda who is one of them. He appreciated God for blessing him with the position and prayed God to grant him wisdom to relate well with his boss and ensure results that will impact positively on the lives of the people of LGA and the Benue people at large.
Other mates, Elder John Ayado, Emmanuel Kwaghlaade, Joseph Iortyom, Iormough Terzungwe, Justina Nyam, Comfort Iji among others, all wished him well saying the visit provided a great opportunity for them to see one another haven left school for many years ago.
Mrs Nyam described Logo LG as a volatile terrain and prayed God to protect him and everyone providing leadership in the state.