“Time is Up for Criminals In Benue State,” Says Gov Alia After Wandoo Community Attack

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue state has vowed that his administration would not sleep until the armed herdsmen responsible for the heinous murder of innocent persons in Wandoo community, Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area, LGA, of the state are brought to justice.

The armed herders had invaded the community Thursday evening and murdered 16 villagers as well as razed their homes, farmlands and food barns.

The Governor while reacting to the attack in a statement Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula directed security operatives in the state to go after and apprehend the criminal herders as soon as possible.

He said: “We gave these criminals orders to leave the state immediately. We also gave ultimatum to those practicing Open grazing in the state to ensure they comply with the law or leave the state within 14 days.

“That ultimatum has since elapsed. I can see what happened at Wandoo is a calculated attempt to test the resolve of my government over the matter I have already given priority.”

While sending condolences to families that lost loved ones in the attack, the Governor stated that “criminals under whatsoever guise who found their way into the state should know that the time is up and there is no going back on strict enforcement of the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017).”