MAKURDI – Governor Hyacinth Alia, of Benue State has warned that the State Government would no longer guarantee the olive branch, it had earlier extended to bandits terrorising the people of the state in the Sankera axis (Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo, Local Government Areas, LGAs of the state), if they do not accept the hands of fellowship earlier extended to them by the state.

While he stated that Government has ordered full military intervention in Ukum LGA of the state, so as to put in check the activities of the bandits, adding that the state would set up a Commission of Enquiry, in the next few days to ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the mayhem.

He also noted that the three soldiers and two policemen who sustained injuries in the bid to contain the unrest have been treated and discharged from hospital.

The Governor who stated this while speaking to the people of the state in a broadcast on Thursday night over the destruction caused by protestors over the killings in Ayati, Borikyo Council ward of Ukum LGA, on Wednesday, also warned that government would not tolerate any for of uprising.

He insisted that Government would not sit back and watch a few people frustrate the peace of the state or attempt to destabilize the state government, noting that his administration was unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and a property, a development which was already yielding positive results.

Speaking to the Benue people in a statewide broadcast, Alia said, “I address you today with a heavy heart, deeply saddened by the recent events in Ukum LGA. The unprovoked and senseless killing of six innocent lives by bandits on Tuesday night has left us all in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.

“Earlier, (that is before the incident on Wednesday), the combined efforts of our security agencies pushed back some bandits from their handouts and subsequently neutralized two bandits, recovered seven motorcycles, two English pistols, a Toyota Camry, and commercial tricycle and lots of charms.

“As a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft target and killed the aforementioned six civilians at Ayati, believing that the members of the Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations and locations and handouts.”

Therefore, he said, “Let me for the last time extend our hands of fellowship to all our youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens that our administration may no longer guarantee the olive branch extended to them.

“Let us not allow the actions of a few to destabilize us. We will not sit back and allow anyone or a group to frustrate the peace of the state and destabilize the government of Benue state.

“To this end, our government will in the next few days, set up a Commission of Enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this mayhem. Additionally, more actions will be taken to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to bringing these retrogressive activities to a total end.

“I appeal to the good people of Sankera and its environs to remain calm and exercise restraint. Let us work together to rebuild our communities and restore peace; your government is here for you and we are committed to addressing your concerns with urgency and diligence”, he assured the people of the state. End.