Fijabi Olanrewaju
THE Congress of Idoma Journalists (COIJ) worldwide has condemned, in strong terms, the reported killing of 30 persons by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in Akpuuna and Diom communities in the Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The killing, according to reports, took place on Saturday the 8th of July, 2023 leaving at least 30 persons dead while a number of persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“We, as COIJ, commiserate with His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia over the unfortunate incident which is coming barely two months after he assumed office, and we call on all security agencies in Benue State to intensify efforts at bringing the killers to book.
“We also call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put in place measures and proffer lasting solutions to the barbaric and gruesome cold-blooded murder of innocent, law-abiding indigenes of Benue State lest they toe forced to toe the line of self-help that may lead to the breakdown of law and order.
“In the interest of peace, we equally call for calm from Benue indigenes while we expect the security agencies to do their job by ensuring that the perpetrators do not go unpunished.
“We equally send our condolences to families of the victims and the good people of Benue State over the unfortunate incident and wish those who sustained one injury or the other quick recovery.”
COIJ, in the statement sighed by Comrade Mike Odeh, General Secretary of the body, also prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and prayed to God to give the bereaved families the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Eighteen-Eleven Media