From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Families of victims of the recent herdsmen attack on Anwase and Moon communities in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State have received cash donations and nine motorcycles from the state government.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, who made the donations at Adikpo Comprehensive College play ground, said the cash was to assist the bereaved family bury their beloved ones, while the motorcycles are to replace the ones burnt by the attackers.
The governor said the gesture was to cushion their hardship, just as he advised beneficiaries to use the motorcycles to earn a living, as well as help security personnel with timely information.
Represented by the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity, Terkimbi Kyange, the governor also announced another donation of 10 motorcycles to security personnel deployed to the area to assist them increase surveillance, curtail attacks and killing of innocent citizens by suspected herdsmen.
In separate comments, the Commissioner for Humanitarian and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde and the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, James Iorpuu, informed the people that apart from building permanent shelters for the displaced persons, government had secured 30 hecters of farm lands for them in Kwande Local Government Area.
The duo, who said they were saddened by the incident which took place on Christmas Day when those that were killed should be rejoicing with their loved ones, assured that donor agencies would come with humanitarian support for the rebuilding of their bridges, hospitals, churches, schools and markets.
On their part, Ter Kwande, Timothy Ahire and Chairman of Kwande Local Government Area, Vitalis Neji, stressed that Alia’s emergence as governor was to salvage the security and developmental challenges of the state and assured him of the support of Kwande people.
