Benue Assembly Condemns Deadly Attack on Sai Community, Demands Justice for Victims
By Our Correspondent In Makurdi
The Benue State House of Assembly has strongly condemned the July 1 attack on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by armed men, describing the incident as barbaric and unacceptable.
The condemnation followed a motion of urgent public importance moved during Tuesday's plenary in Makurdi by Mr. Jonathan Agbidyeh (APC, Katsina-Ala East).
Presenting the motion, Agbidyeh lamented the persistent attacks on communities across Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, noting that the violence had claimed many lives and destroyed properties worth millions of naira.
He told the House that suspected herdsmen invaded Sai Community on July 1, killing about nine residents and leaving at least 20 others with severe injuries.
According to the lawmaker, the recurring attacks have created fear, displacement and hardship among residents, forcing many families to flee their homes in search of safety.
Agbidyeh further alleged that the repeated and coordinated attacks appeared to be part of a broader agenda to intimidate communities and take over parts of Benue State.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Peter Ipusu (APC, Katsina-Ala West), who commended the Chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government and the Benue State Governor for their prompt deployment of security personnel to the affected community following the attack.
Ipusu called on security agencies to intensify efforts to combat criminal activities by deploying modern surveillance technology and strengthening intelligence gathering to identify, track and apprehend those responsible and prevent further attacks.
Delivering the resolutions of the House, Speaker Mr. Alfred Emberga reaffirmed the Assembly's condemnation of the attack and urged both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to fulfil their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
The Speaker also called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the continued attacks in accordance with the law.
He urged the Benue State Government to reinforce security in Sai Community by deploying additional personnel to the existing security post, while encouraging security agencies to adopt proactive intelligence measures to prevent further attacks and restore confidence among displaced residents to return to their homes.
The House further directed the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to immediately provide relief materials, including food and non-food items, to victims and other affected members of the community.
