The Benue State government has ordered immediate cessation of hostilities between the two warring communities of Shitile/Ikyurav in Katsina-ala local government of the state.
The state Gov. Samuel Ortom gave the marching order at a briefing on Thursday shortly after an emergency security meeting with the traditional Chiefs and other key stakeholders held at the people’s House in Makurdi.
The governor ordered security agents to arrest anyone culpable in the last attacks on Katsina-Ala even as he assured that the state government would continue to engage stakeholders in the area and the traditional institution towards find lasting solution to the clashes.
Ortom said having returned from leave, it was only proper to identify the root causes of the crisis before proceeding to the spots.
He assured that he will visit all the affected areas to ascertain the level of damages.
The meeting which lasted for over five hour discussed issues surrounding the insecurity in Sankera and other parts of Tiv land.
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Also speaking, the Tor Tiv, Professor James Ayatse said Benue has had issues some of which bothered on criminality.
He however, stated that the traditional institution had met and condemned it. “We have also met with stakeholders and have issued directives that all these hostilities should seize.
“We are working together with government and we will ensure that these hostilities and criminalities are brought to an end.
“The traditional institution has spoken and the political authorities have also affirmed. I think we are on the same page and there is no hiding place,” the Tor Tiv said..
