Benue North-East Senator Barr. Emmanuel Memga Udende has strongly condemned what he describes as senseless killings by suspected armed herdsmen at Mbagena community in Kpav, Michihe council ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area. He called on security operatives and governments at all levels to quickly ensure protection of lives and properties.
The federal lawmaker disclosed this at Abaji when he visited the affected community for an on-the-spot assessment. He condemned the continued unprovoked attacks on his people, with the latest in Kwande, Ukum, and now in Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of the state.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption and Financial Crimes, described the attacks as barbaric and called for immediate action by relevant authorities to prevent similar situations and ensure a more secure future for all.
Senator Udende expressed concern over the lack of unity among political and traditional rulers, where none is ready to summon a meeting of critical stakeholders in Tiv to find a lasting solution to the escalating insecurity in Sankera and the entirety of Benue State.
He insisted that the insecurity in Benue is beyond politics and needs collective efforts from all stakeholders, irrespective of political and religious differences.
As a legislator, he had moved several motions of urgent National importance on the unabated killings in Benue North-East, and it was on the strength of his motions that the National Assembly met with President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and all service chiefs towards ending the insecurity, and will continue to speak so long as the killings continue.
He, however, regretted how some leaders accused him of misleading the Senate on the killings, while others shockingly denied the killings in the state. He stood in solidarity with families of those who lost their loved ones in the attacks and prayed for God’s comfort and speedy recovery for the injured.
On his part, the Member, Benue State House of Assembly representing Katsina East, Rt. Hon Jonathan Agbidye, appreciated the senator for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit the community.
Earlier, the district head of Michihe, Chief Ordlugh Adah and his kindred head had explained how the marauders stormed the community around 6:00 pm, numbering over 30 persons armed to the teeth, and commenced shooting sporadically, killing over 12 persons and injuring others in the process.
~Jerry Iorngaem,
S.A Media and Publicity,
Office of Senator Emmanuel Udende.
14th March, 2025.
