16 August 2026
Benue State candidate of the NDC in the 2027 governorship elections and his running mate, Prof. Terhemba Shija and Dr. Dr. Raymond Edoh respectively, have condemned in the strongest terms today's early morning attacks on several communities in Ukum, Benue State by suspected Fulani herdsmen, during which several persons were killed, many injured while several others fled to unknown destinations. Shija and his running mate described the attacks as deeply disturbing and unacceptable and called on security authorities to fully investigate the matter with a view to ascertainining those culpable, the full casualties as well as other damages even as they insisted that the area be swiftly secured and any persons still missing be found and rescued. They also insisted that those liable for the dastardly attacks should be fished out and brought to justice, stressing that, "No individual or group should be allowed to terrorise communities, destroy livelihoods or deny citizens their fundamental right to live in peace." While extending heartfelt condolences to the affected families and communitie, the duo emphasized that every life lost is a painful reminder of the devastating toll insecurity continues to take on Benue communities. They called on people of the State to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies while avoiding any actions that may escalate tension. Shija and Edoh advised the Benue State government to ensure that affected communities receive urgent humanitarian assistance while beefing up security in the area to prevent further attacks. "The recurring insecurity confronting parts of Benue demands more than temporary reactions. It requires proactive intelligence gathering, effective community-based security coordination, rapid response mechanisms, stronger protection for rural communities and sustained engagement with all stakeholders," they asserted. The NDC candidate and his running mate noted that the protection of lives and property go beyond political sloganeering, and is "a fundamental obligation of responsible leadership." They further reiterated their vision of a "Benue rebirth in which farmers return safely to their fields, children grow up without fear, communities prosper, and every citizen pursues legitimate livelihoods in peace."
Posted: 2months ago
Author: Editor in Chief
Current date: 18 October 2026