Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has called on residents of the state to embrace timely sharing of security information to enable a swift response from security agencies.
Governor Alia made the call on Tuesday at the Otukpo palace of the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr John Elaigwu.
He visited the Idoma paramount ruler to sympathise with him over the recent deadly attack on Otukpo-Nobi and other parts of Benue South Senatorial District.
The governor urged the people, especially youths, to remain calm as security agencies continue efforts to track down the bandits and criminal elements responsible for the attacks.
Governor Alia condemned the incidents and reiterated that his administration would continue to collaborate with security agencies in tackling all forms of insecurity in the state.
He announced that a round-table meeting would be held at a later date with members of the affected communities to address their demands and other issues aimed at achieving lasting peace in the area.
Receiving the governor and his delegation, Dr John Elaigwu said he had been in mourning since the incident but that the visit had brought comfort. He commended security agencies for their intervention.
He called for proactive measures in addressing security challenges and criticised misleading narratives circulating on social media, stressing that security was a collective responsibility.
In his remarks, the Ad’Ohimini, Dr John Ochai, expressed appreciation to Governor Alia for identifying with the people of Benue South over the incident.
He said the governor’s words had brought comfort to the people of Benue South at a difficult time.
Governor Alia later visited victims of the attacks receiving treatment at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where he commended the Chief Medical Director of the hospital for providing urgent care to the injured and assured that the government would settle their medical bills.
