The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Tuesday July 11, 2023 visited Akpuuna village, Mbazun, Mbaterem, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State to sympathize with victims of the recent hoodlums attack.
Recall in the early hours of Saturday, July 08, 2023, hoodlums ridding on Bajaz motorcycles attacked Akpuuna village in Ukum LGA where about 24 persons were reportedly killed and many others injured.
Governor Alia expressed total resentment over the development saying, such cannot be tolerated in Benue State.
He said his intention is to lead a new Benue and he would not accept anything that will dampen the spirit of the people and tarnish the new image of the state.
While extending the condolences of President Bola Tinubu and his Deputy, Kashim Shettima to the people of Akpuuna community, Fr. Alia said the Federal Government has a good number of projects for Benue and he would not want anything to deter them from executing those projects.
He advised the youth in the area to be law abiding and stir clear of anything that will invite trouble on themselves and their communities, adding that there were plans to reintegrate the irate amongst them in the society and provide soft landings for them to step on and become self reliant.
The Governor condemned the attack and gruesome murder of innocent citizens, and called on traditional rulers to tame their children and also live up to their very responsibility as custodians of culture and norms of their people.
He, however, warned that any traditional ruler who is found wanting in his duties as a traditional ruler will be considered a misfit and his beads will be removed.
Governor Alia sympathized with the families that lost their loved ones in the attack and prayed God to grant the deceased persons a befitting place of rest in heaven.
An eye witness, James Ugoh and the District Head of Mbazun, Chief John Kungwa while speaking to Newsmen, said they did not know the reason behind the attack and they could not even tell who the attackers were.
