Benue: Alia Condemns Abduction Of Passengers

The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the abduction of passengers, including candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), at Otukpo.

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Governor Alia said the targeting of innocent citizens, particularly students on their way to sit for examinations, was unacceptable and stands against every norm of humanity and civil order.

The chief press secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement, Thursday night, Alia reiterated his earlier call that terrorists and other criminals hiding in forests within the state should immediately be flushed out.

The governor directed that no effort be spared in securing the immediate release of the victims and bringing the criminals to justice.

Parts of the statement reads, “The Benue State governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia has received with deep concern and outrage the report of the abduction of passengers, including young candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), along Makurdi- Otukpo road. The Governor strongly condemns this reprehensible and cowardly act by criminal elements.

“The governor wishes to assure the good people of Benue State, especially the affected families and parents, that security agencies have already swung into action and are firmly on the heels of the perpetrators.

“Tactical teams have been fully mobilised, and coordinated, search-and-rescue operations are also ongoing to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons,” he assured.

The statement added, “The Governor is in constant communication with security commanders on the ground.

“We understand the anxiety and pain this incident has caused, particularly to parents whose children were among those abducted.

“We stand with you at this difficult time and assure you that everything humanly and operationally possible will be done to secure their safe release.”

The governor also reiterated his commitment to strengthening security across the state and urged residents to remain calm, vigilant, and to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information where necessary.

Governor Alia also stated that Benue State will not succumb to criminality and assured the residents of the state that, “We will continue to take decisive actions to protect lives and property.”