The Benue State Government has alleged that the senator representing Benue North, Emmanuel Udende, misled the Senate on the attacks in the state, particularly in Ukum Local Government area, where he hails from.
Chief of Staff to the Governor, Paul Biam, while reacting to the motion of urgent national importance moved by Udende on Wednesday, said as someone who is also from the local government like the senator, he has been in touch with the caretaker chairman, Victor Iorzaa, as well as the security agencies, his discoveries are contrary to what the senator stated on the floor of the Senate.
OsunDailyNG recalled that Udende had on Wednesday, while moving a motion of urgent national importance on the security situation in Benue State, alleged that the attacks were perpetrated by persons parading themselves as herdsmen.
Udende accused Governor Hyacinth Alia of silence over the issue, adding that “despite public outcry, there is no visible action on the part of the government to curtail, abate or stop the criminal activities of the elements”.
Reacting to the development, Biam wondered why Udende would ignore the fact that the crisis in Ukum has been lingering for a long time, with the local militia taking centre stage.
He said he is perturbed about the senator’s motive for such a deliberate omission and for absolving the militia of culpability.
Biam said information from security agencies revealed that the local militia had colluded with the herdsmen to carry out the attacks in Ukum.
“The governor has been tirelessly working, holding meetings with security agencies across the country in order to ensure that Benue is safe for all.”
He said some arrests have already been made from the attack and investigations are still ongoing.
Biam insisted that the government will not rest on its oars until their sponsors are revealed and brought to book.
