The Deputy Governor of Benue state, Barr. Sam Ode, Friday paid an on-the-spot assessment visit to Okokolo in Agatu Local Government Area to commiserate with the people over the unfortunate attack by suspected fulani herdsmen the previous day.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Apa Local Government who doubles as the Deputy Chairman, ALGON, of Benue state, Hon. Ochayi Alidu and his Agatu counterpart, Hon. Yakubu Ochepo, welcomed Barr. Ode, during which they informed him there were civilian casualties, and three millitary personnel who were killed.
Two others military personnel were badly wounded.
The Deputy Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Commander, Operation Whirlstroke, Benue State Command and also the representative of the Benue State Commissioner of Police, who roundly condemned the attack on the Agatu people at a time peace has almost returned to all parts of the state.
He assured the people of a strong security beef up in the local government and it’s environs to forestall future recurrence of any form of attack on the innocent people, and charged the members of the community to be security conscious and report to the security agents any suspected strange move in their communities.
The Caretaker Chairman of Agatu LGA, Hon. Ochepo commended the DPO of the Agatu Police Division, and the military for their quick responses to the situation which averted what would have been a catastrophic attack on the people.
He appreciated the Gov. of Benue state, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, for his show of love and empathy for the people of Agatu as shown by the visit to the affected community and beefing up security in the area.
Hon Ochepo also assured that with the machineries put on ground by the government, there will be no recurrence of such incidence and sounded a warning to the youth, particularly against proliferation of arms, which could have a negative effect in the process of carrying out thorough security operation in the LGA.
Addressing newsmen the Deputy ALGON Chairman, Hon. Alidu attested to calm presently in the affected community owing to the swift action of the military and that the two wounded millitary personnels are receiving medical treatment.
He also expresses confidence in the administration of Fr. Alia and its readiness to secure the lives of people in the state and restore their normal lives.
He also commended Barr. Ode for promptly carrying out assessment visit to Agatu few hours after the ugly incident, assuring of total government support from the Councils in Benue state and from the grassroots to enable the government implement all policies mostly in areas of rural development and socio economic impact.
