Northern Govs Condemn Nasarawa, Benue Killings

The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) has expressed shock and sadness at the killing of several policemen and SSS officers by a cult group known as Ombatse at Assakio village in Nasarawa State, urging the militia group to immediately stop its attacks.
Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu expressed the forum’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims as well as the police high command, saying no grievance can justify such a dastardly act against law enforcement agents .
In a statement signed by Governor Aliyu’s Chief Press Secretary, Danladi Ndayebo, the forum also condemned the killing of several farmers and destruction of property by Fulani herdsmen in Agatu Local Government of Benue State, describing it as one attack too many.
The statement called on security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are caught and brought to justice, to prevent a reoccurrence, emphasizing that a situation where security personnel on whose shoulders lie the responsibility of protecting lives and property become easy targets for criminals was unacceptable.
The forum called on the authorities to commence the prosecution of 10 of mercenaries who perpetrated the Agatu mayhem, who are reported to have been arrested by a joint task force of the Police, Army and the SSS operating in Benue State .
The statement lamented frequent attacks on the police and other security agents, saying the nation cannot afford a situation where criminal elements will overwhelm state security apparatus.
The Governors prayed God to grant repose to the souls of the deceased eternal rest and members of their families the fortitude to bear the loss.