Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Benue state governor, has vowed that his administration will not rest until the armed herdsmen responsible for the brutal murder of innocent persons in Wandoo community, Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, are brought to justice.
The armed herdsmen reportedly invaded the community on Thursday evening.
The Thursday attacks resulted in the killing of 16 villagers and their homes, as well as farmlands, and food barns burnt down by the herdsmen.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor directed security operatives in the state to swiftly apprehend the criminal herdsmen responsible for the attack.
“We gave these criminals orders to leave the state immediately. We also gave an 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,” Governor Alia stated.
Alia also extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack and reiterated his commitment to enforcing the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law (2017) in the state.
“Criminals under whatever 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),” he added.