Security Apprehends 33 Suspects Linked To Benue Killings

By Daniel Dafe

The Benue State Government has responded to a distressing report from the youth of Gyado Villa, Makurdi, concerning the arrival of two buses carrying 33 individuals from the Northern part of Nigeria, who were allegedly brought to occupy a private residence in the area.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday signed by Comr. Asortar James Asortar, SA to the Governor on Social Media.

According to the statement, “concerned community leaders and neighbors acted swiftly to alert the authorities, prompting the government to mobilize a team of security operatives to investigate the situation.”

Adding: “Upon arrival at Villa Suites, it was discovered that the company associated with these individuals had been registered on May 8, and all 33 staff members were brought in that day from various states in the North. Security agencies have apprehended the individuals and are conducting thorough interrogations to determine their purpose for coming to the state.”

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He said further: “Initial interviews revealed that many of the apprehended individuals could not communicate in English and had been camped in a private house at Villa Suites.

“The Executive Governor of Benue State, His Excellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, expresses his gratitude to the staff of Villa Suites and the Gyado Villa youth for their prompt action in notifying the authorities—your vigilance is greatly appreciated.”

Governor Alia also urged all Benue State citizens to speak up and say something when they SEE SOMETHING.

“He acknowledges and shares in the pain and grief caused by the recent attacks on Benue communities by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen,” the aide said.

He further emphasized that the State Government is consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.

He cintinued: “His Excellency assures citizens that:
-More tactical teams** have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.

– Response squad teams are also being deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday; strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.

– The state’s joint operations units are being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents.

“In the spirit of peace and unity, the Governor calls on religious, traditional, and political leaders across the state to sensitize and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control.”

Furthermore, he appealed to the public to utilize official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.