By Brenda Agba
The Senator representing Benue North-East Senatorial District, Senator Emmanuel Udende, has been accused of misleading the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on the attacks in Benue, especially in Ukum Local Government Area, where he hails from.
Chief Of Staff to the Benue State Governor, Rt. Hon. Paul Biam, made this assertion while reacting to the motion of urgent national importance moved by Senator Udende on Wednesday.
Recall that Senator Emmanuel Udende, had on Wednesday, while moving a motion of urgent national importance on the security situation in Benue State, alleged that the recent attacks in Ukum were perpetrated by persons parading themselves as herdsmen, accusing Governor Hyacinth Alia of silence over the issue, adding that “despite public outcry, there is no visible action on the part of the government to curtail, abate or stop the criminal activities of the elements.”
Biam said as someone who is also from Ukum Local Government Area, he has been in touch with the Caretaker Chairman, Hon. Victor Iorzaa, as well as the security agencies, and his findings are contrary to what Senator Udende said on the floor of the Senate.
Speaking further, Hon. Biam, queried why Senator Udende would ignore the fact that the crisis in Ukum Local Government Area has lingered for a long time, with the local militia taking centre stage, wondering the Senator’s motive for such a deliberate omission and for absolving the militia of culpability.
According to him, information from security agencies revealed that the local militia had colluded with the herdsmen to carry out the attacks in Ukum Local Government Area, adding that the Governor has been working tirelessly, holding meetings with security agencies across the country in order to ensure that Benue is safe for all.
The Chief of Staff disclosed that some arrests have already been made in connection with the attack and investigations are still ongoing, insisting that the government will not rest on its oars until their sponsors are brought to book.