From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau State governments have pledged to collaborate through their various state emergency agencies, to bring an end to insecurity – herdsmen attacks and killings.
Making the pledge during a joint press conference in Makurdi, Director-General of Nasarawa State Emergency Management Agency, Ben Akwash said he and his Plateau State counterpart were in Benue to commiserate with the people over the Yelewata attack which claimed over 200 lives.
He said besides Nasarawa being an immediate neighbour to Benue, both states were under Plateau, stating that they were in the state to not only commiserate with government and the people, but to rub minds on how best to forestall future attacks.
Praying God to secure those displaced, Akwash urged Nasarawa and Benue State governments to provide security to those in Internally Displaced Peoples, IDP, camps.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Plateau State Emergency Management Agency, Mr Sunday Abdul described the Yelewata killings as an evil that befell North Central states.
He said the people of Plateau had shared in the same pain with Benue, adding that what happened in Yelewata is happening in Southern Kaduna, Taraba and parts of Nasarawa, acts which he described as wicked.
Abdul, who encouraged the people of Benue to have faith, as God would continue to be on their side, urged Nigerians and people of goodwill across the world to pray for the North Central for peace to reign in the zone.
In a welcome remark, the Executive Secretary of Benue State Emergency Management Agency, BSEMA, Dr James Iorpuu revealed that the state had been under siege since 2011, lamenting that attacks and killings are increasing on a daily basis.
Describing the Yelewata massacre as wicked, Iorpuu said about 107 victims who sustained injuries are still receiving treatment.
He expressed appreciation to his colleagues for the visit.
