Benue APC Chair decries murder of security operatives in Katsina-Ala

Caretaker Committee Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Benue State, Benjamin Omale, has strongly condemned the recent slaying of security operatives in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.

The outrage follows the discovery of the remaining bodies of eight security personnel who went missing after a deadly ambush by armed herders and local bandits last Friday.

Force Headquarters spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed on Sunday that three officers were earlier reported dead and seven missing during a clearance mission in the troubled council area.

Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justin Shaku, told reporters on Monday that the eight additional corpses were found late Sunday night.

“Yes, I can confirm that the bodies of the eight security personnel were recovered yesterday (Sunday) night,” he said, adding, “The Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Emenari is right here with me, though the atmosphere is still tense and unfriendly. But we are on top of the situation.”

The latest discovery raises the death toll to 11 security personnel.

In a statement personally signed and issued in Makurdi, Omale described the killings as “reprehensible and unacceptable.”

According to him, “Our thoughts are with the families of the affected officers, as well as the security agencies that have continued to sacrifice in the face of daunting challenges.”

He warned that such violence endangers both the lives of security operatives and the fragile peace in communities across Benue.

“On behalf of the Benue APC Caretaker Committee we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and express our solidarity with the affected agencies,” Omale added.

The APC chairman urged security agencies to intensify investigations so the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice, insisting that “the government at all levels must not allow the perpetrators of the act to go unpunished.”

“Violence of this nature has no place in a society striving for peace and development,” he emphasized.

Omale further appealed to community leaders, youth groups, and residents in the Sankera axis to work together, avoid internal divisions, and support the peace-building initiatives of Governor Hyacinth Alia.

He called on youths to stay alert and help safeguard their communities.

“Now more than ever, we must rally behind the leadership of Governor Alia to achieve the lasting peace we all desire. As we take steps toward restoring calm in the affected areas, we pray for the repose of the souls lost and for God’s comfort upon all those grieving during this difficult time,” Omale said.