Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia has imposed a 24-hour curfew on Ukum local government area following the killing of 11 residents of the area by bandits on Tuesday night.

The attack was then followed by violent protests which led to the destruction of government offices in the area.

The protesters stormed the council secretariat in Zaki Biam the headquarters of the Ukum LGA and destroyed valuables and razed the local government secretariat.

The office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the area was also set ablaze.

Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi, Alia explained that the curfew followed the grave security situation in the region, which has led to the wanton destruction of property and instability in the area.

The deputy governor, Sam Ode, who represented the governor said the curfew arose as a result of the protest.

“The government of Benue State was surprised with the grave security situation in the Ukum LGA of the state, which has led to the breakdown of law and order, leading to wanton destruction of government property and threats to lives,” he said.

“Arising from this situation and the need to protect the lives and property of all Benue citizens, especially those who are in the Ukum LGA and Sankera general area, the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacint Alia, whom I have the honour to represent at this press briefing, has directed that with effect from 3 pm today, being 3/7/2024, there will be a curfew in and around Ukum for 24 hours to tomorrow 3 pm.

”Thereafter, the curfew will be from 6pm to 6am daily until further notice,” he added.