By Florence Ugbem
Benue State Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu has assured of the state goverments resolve to bring to justice the murderers of a herdsman in Ado which will serve as deterrent to others.
The deputy governor gave the assurance at a meeting held recently in his office with leaders of the Fulani community, traditional rulers and political office holders from Ado Local Government Area. He expressed sadness over the gruesome murder of Isa Mohammed, a Fulani herdsman at Ndigwe in Ekile ward of Ado LGA.
Abounu who revealed that an arrest has been made, maintained that justice must prevail and called for peaceful co-existence in the community. He also revealed that efforts are been made to apprehend two other suspects in connection with the murder.
Chairman, Ado LGA, James Oche thanked the state government for their efforts in handling security issues in the area, stating that he will do all in his power to ensure that all those involved in the crime will be arrested.
He went on to charge youths in the area to embrace the policies of the state government and return to the farm or engage in meaniful ventures that will yield income.
Benue State House of Assembly Member representing Ado State Constituency, Agnes Uloko, called on the Fulani community to refrain from any reprisal action, and enjoined them to fish out those responsible for the brutal attack on a woman in Utonkon.
Stakeholders and traditional leaders from Ado who spoke at the meeting frowned at the unruly behaviour of some residents along the Benue/Ebonyi border axis, who they said, their actions are fueling criminality and insecurity in the area. They resolved to increase police presence there, and called for inclusion of work towards the final demarcation of the Benue/Ebonyi interstate boundary.
The Ardo of the Fulani community thanked the deputy governor for the efforts by the state government in arresting one of the suspect. He promised to investigate and hand over to the authorities those people said to be involved in the alleged brutalization of a woman in Utonkon.
