Godwin Akor, Makurdi
Benue State Security Council has ordered the prosecution of seven persons arrested over the crisis that erupted between Mbakume and Mabalom in Gwen local government area of the state earlier in the week.
Disclosing this to journalists at the end of the security council’s meeting held Thursday at the government house, Governor Samuel Ortom said the council also directed that those causing tension at Mbalom after the crisis that caused damage to a lot of properties should be arrested and made to face full wrath of the law.
The governor warned traditional rulers to report suspicious persons to security agencies, adding that any of them found culpable would be sanctioned.
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He said the council further directed that full investigation should be carried out on the crisis that took place at Ayati in the same local government and noted that those behind the conflict should be brought to book to prevent further breakdown of law and order.
Governor Ortom said the council directed the chairman of Agatu local government to appear before it to explain the unending nature of the crisis in the area, stressing that the citizens of Benue must stay together to manage their affairs as God has planned for them.
He said the state was facing influx of armed herdsmen and added that laws relating to open grazing, cultism and kidnapping would be strengthened in such a way that stiffer penalties would be recommended for those that break the various laws.