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Police deploy special tactical team to Zaki-Biam

By Karls Tsokar, Abuja and Joseph Wantu, Makurdi
23 March 2017   |   4:17 am
A tactical team to be supervised by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations, Joshak Habila, has been deployed to Zaki-Biam, to unravel the circumstances leading to killings in the town by unknown gunmen.

Nigeria Police

Benue lost N95b in two years to herdsmen attacks, says Ortom
A tactical team to be supervised by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Operations, Joshak Habila, has been deployed to Zaki-Biam, to unravel the circumstances leading to killings in the town by unknown gunmen.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, the police leadership is worried by such barbaric act and has approved the deployment a team comprising the Police Mobile Force (PMF specially trained anti riot policemen), counter terrorism units, conventional policemen, special anti robbery squad, SIB, detachment of EOD, Police K9 (Sniffer Dogs Section), Police Air wing (Aerial Surveillance Helicopters) and other undercover operatives with their headquarters in Zaki Biam, Ukum LGA, Benue State.

According to the IGP Ibrahim Idris, the team to be led by the Commissioner of police in charge of PMF at the Force Headquarters would be proactive and work on actionable intelligence. It would also ensure 24-hour surveillance of the troubled spots and other identified flash points, as well conduct raids on identified criminals’ hideout.

This is with a view to arresting perpetrators of the heinous crime and their sponsors and to avoid further wanton killings.

Also, Vanguard Against Tiv Massacre (VATIM) has implored the Federal Government to do more to calm the rising tension in Benue State following the reported renewal of Fulani herdsmen attack on some communities.

VATIM in a statement by its Chairman, Ter Acka and Secretary, Al Utsaha said the government needs to do more than pay lip service to the situation, as tension is rising in the different communities.

Meanwhile, Governor Samuel Ortom said the state has lost N95 billion due to attacks by herdsmen between 2012 and 2014.

The governor disclosed this at a stakeholders’ meeting at Benue People’s House, yesterday. He said the incessant attacks led to the declaration of seven days fasting and prayer.

He said there have been consistent attacks on Agatu, Buruku, Tarka, Kwande, Ogbadibo, Gwer-West, Guma, Logo and other communities since 2014, maintained that it is not possible for cattle to graze without encroaching on farmlands.

Ortom said the attacks have put Benue in a difficult situation as agriculture, which the state is widely known for is being destroyed, making payment of salaries and pensions amounting to N7.8 billion a major challenge.

Also, women of Isu in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State yesterday stormed Abakaliki protesting against the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the area.

The women who came in multitude carrying placards alleged  that one of the herdsmen raped a 70- year-old widow to coma .

Their leader,  Florence Okoro, appealed to the state government and security agencies  to come to their aid.

Addressing the women at the  Fatilami Abubakar Park, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu, condemned the action of the herdsmen and assured  them that the government would take decisive action against the perpetrators of the crimes. He said Governor David Umahi had directed that the culprits be fished out to face the full weight of the law.

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