The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has urged residents of Benue State not to lose hope following the recent terrorist attacks in the state. He called for cooperation with security agencies to combat insecurity in their communities.
Akume expressed shock and horror at the magnitude of the terrorist attacks on Yelewata community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State last weekend, which claimed over 200 lives, mostly women and children.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Terrence Kuanum, the SGF described the incident as "mindless barbarism" and "totally unacceptable." Akume, who served as Benue State governor from May 1999 to May 2007, extended his condolences to the families of the victims and sympathies to the survivors.
Call for Unity Against Insecurity
"As a former state governor, I understand the complexities involved in combating insecurity, and I enjoin all political, religious and traditional leaders to unite on the task to end all forms of insecurity, not just in Benue State, but in Nigeria as a whole," Akume stated.
The SGF expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu's directive to the Service Chiefs of the Armed Forces to end insecurity in Benue State would yield the desired results.
This statement comes amid growing concerns over the security situation in Benue State, with the Nigerian Union of Journalists noting that the killings have a negative impact on Nigeria's image internationally.
The Inspector General of Police has reportedly arrived in Benue following the attacks, which some groups, including the Idoma Forum, have described as "ethnic cleansing."
There appears to be some discrepancy in the official narrative, as the Nigerian government's account of over 200 casualties contradicts initial claims by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
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