Bandits kill 11 in Benue community

From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

At least, 11 persons have been reportedly killed in Borikyo, Ayati-Sai, Ukum local government area of Benue State by bandits.
A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity disclosed to newsmen that 6 bodies have so far been recovered, adding that many others have been hospitalized with serious injuries.
He said the incident sparked off a protest by the youths who blocked the Sankera -Ayati-Sai Road and the Ukum Local government secretariat to express their grief over the incessant killings in the community without the intervention of the state government.
He added that the residents are demanding action from the Alia government whom they accuse of being too silent for long while the killings continues.
It was learnt that the protesting youths destroyed facilities at the secretariat.
Confirming the incident, Security Adviser to Governor Alia Chief Joseph Har said, “yes, they are protesting because of the killings in the area. We don’t have the details yet but bandits are responsible.
“They are protesting and threatening to burn down the LG Secretariat but they are aware that the state government has dislodged these bandits.
“So, what the bandits just did is what we call in security parlance, “the last kick of a dying horse”.
“Just few days ago, there was massive destruction of their camps in Katsina-Ala LGA. So this is their last kick. They have been dislodged and they are trying everything they can to vent their anger on the armless people and possibly cause confusion in the towns.
“So I have spoken to the leader of the youths and I told them to be patient. Government is going to sustain the momentum. We will not be deterred by the killings but we will sustain the heat and pressure on them so they can be degraded completely”.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Catherine Anene said she is aware of the protest but yet to get details of the incident.