A Makurdi High Court on Wednesday restrained the eight members of the Benue State Assembly from proceeding with the impeachment process initiated against Governor Samuel Ortom.
The court also restrained the affected lawmakers from sitting and upheld their suspension pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.
Eight members of the state Assembly led by the impeached Speaker, Terkibir Ikyange, had, on Monday, begun impeachment process against the governor.
Ruling on the application on orders restraining the eight members from sitting, presiding judge, Justice Theresa Igoche, also restrained the Chief Judge of Benue State from receiving or acting on any process or request issued pursuant to the purported sitting, proceedings and resolutions of 30th July, 2018 aimed at or commenced for the purpose of removing governor of the state, pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.
Justice Igoche upheld the subsisting order that was earlier given by Chief Judge of the state, Justice Adam Onum, restraining the former Speaker, Terkimbi Ikyange, and other former principal officers from parading as same and ordered the security agencies to vacate the premises of the Benue State House of Assembly.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Michael Gusa, applauded the ruling, saying as a law abiding government, they would always seek redress in the law courts.
Also speaking, Sebastian Hon (SAN), who appeared on behalf of the plaintiffs alongside over 20 lawyers, described the ruling as sound and promised to abide by the orders of the court.
Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara have described as ” a desecration of the legislative sanctity”, the on-going situation in Benue State in which eight out of the 30 members of the State House of Assembly have commenced impeachment process against the governor and with the support of the police, the 22 other members who constitute more than two-third majority are kept away from the Assembly complex.
In a statement jointly signed by their media aides, Saraki and Dogara also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the police to order and stop being used to achieve political purposes.
“We have monitored closely the development in Benue State in which the impeached Speaker, Terkimbir Ikyange led seven other members to serve impeachment notice on the state Governor, Samuel Ortom while the 22 other members who constitute more than two-third majority have been prevented from having access to the chamber. We believe this is illegality and does not conform to parliamentary procedure on impeachment.
“We also note with surprise the role of the Police in this undemocratic events in which the minority is seeking to impeach a Governor against the position of the majority. We believe it is the sacred institution of the legislature that is being desecrated and rubbished in all these negative developments.
“The situation in Benue State House of Assembly has grave implication for the nation’s democracy and it represents a throw-back to the period of dictatorship in our country. It also represents how the Nigeria Police are being misused to achieve political end. In a statement recently, the Presidency derisively referred to an era in the past where a minority number of legislators was used to impeach Governors who were unfriendly with the Federal Government. What we are seeing in Benue now is a return to that inglorious era.
“We believe this unlawful and unconstitutional move to impeach Governor Samuel Ortom by a minority should be condemned by all lovers of democracy, at home and abroad. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the police to order and prevent a break-down of law and order. We also call on friends of Nigeria in the international community to lend their voice in condemning the perpetration of illegalities and actions that can subvert our democracy.
“There is already a tense atmosphere in Benue State following the recent killings. Nobody should encourage any action or move which may exacerbate the security situation in the North Central State.
As leaders of the Federal legislature, we are ready to work with our colleagues in both chambers of the National Assembly to prevent any attempt to destroy any state legislature or use it to derail democracy”, Saraki and Dogara stated.
The Benue State House of Assembly on Monday, July 30, suspended the seven (7) members who held an illegal sitting under the leadership of the impeached and suspended Speaker, Terkimbi ikyange.
TheNewsGuru had reported earlier that the crisis rocking the Benue State House of Assembly took a new twist on Monday as eight (8) lawmakers served impeachment notice on the State governor, Samuel Ortom.
The eight (8) lawmakers who served the impeachment notice are All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party members.
Apparently displeased with the development, the House suspended the seven (8) members for six (6) months.
The suspended members of the Benue State House of Assembly are:
Thirteen out of the 23 local government chairmen in Benue State have defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The chairmen announced their defection to the PDP at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital on Friday, two days after Governor Samuel Ortom left the APC for the PDP.
Those who defected include Anthony Shawon of Guma Local Government Area (LGA), Justina Sorka of Buruku LGA, Mwuese Ubebe of Konshisha LGA, Blessing Unogwo of Ado LGA, Virginia Kpindi of Katsina-Ala LGA and George Alli of Otukpo LGA.
Others are Comfort Echeoda of Agatu LGA, Francis Ayaga of Gwer West LGA, Uaah Vitalis of Gwer East LGA, Richard Nyajo of Logo LGA, Ibellogo Tor of Tyokaa- Ukum LGA, Adakole Abutu of Ohimini LGA and Peter Onche of Obi LGA.
The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, on Monday said 35 armed herdsmen were shot dead in Gwer, Logo and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State during an encounter with troops on Saturday.
The military said the armed herdsmen were killed by the air force’s Mi-35 attack helicopter in the clash.
The herdsmen were said to have also shot dead a soldier while two others were injured.
The Director of Information, Brig Gen John Agim, who confirmed the clashes, said the military was on Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states, when the troops encountered the herdsmen in Benue.
Agim said a soldier was still missing after the Benue incident.
He said, “In the clearance operation across the Gwer West, Logo and the Guma LGAs of Benue, troops made contact with heavily armed herdsmen around the lower Benue area and a militia camp at Chetarer village. The troops engaged the militia and followed the pursuit with Mi-35 helicopter of the air component.
“This led to a large number of them being neutralised. In all, 35 herdsmen were neutralised and a large number of them escaped with gunshot injuries. However, a soldier was killed in action, two sustained slight injuries. They have been treated and discharged. Also, one soldier is still missing in action.
“Troops of the Operation Whirl Stroke operating in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states conducted four clearance operations during the weekend. At Umaisha and Toto villages of Nasarawa, troops ambushed the militia and killed one. A suspected herdsman, Adamu Abdullahi, in Rukubi in the Doma LGA of Nasarawa State was arrested.”
The defence spokesman said Abdullahi and other suspects would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
“Still in Nasarawa State, we arrested one Musa Habu, 32, who is linked with some militiamen. He has been handed over to the Department of State Services for further necessary action,” Agim added.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Monday said troops have eliminated 36 militia herdsmen at the weekend with the commencement of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states.
The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim said in a statement that a soldier was killed during the operation, while two others were wounded. He added that the wounded soldiers have been treated and discharged from the Hospital.
Brig. Gen Agim said in Taraba 8 bandits were arrested and handed over to officials of the Department of State Security (DSS) for further interrogation, adding that different categories of arms and ammunitions were recovered from the militia gang.
Brig. Gen Agim said: “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) operating in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states conducted a four prong clearance operations during the weekend. At Umaisha and Toto Villages, troops ambushed the militia following a tipoff of a planned attack on the two villages.
“On the ensuing melee 1 x G3 rifle, 193 x 17.62 mm NATO, 81xG3 rifle ammunition, a locally made pistol and 1 FN magazine filled with round were recovered and 1 militia was killed. In another development, one Adamu Abdullahi, a suspected herdsman at Rukubi in Doma LGA of Nasarawa state was arrested in possession of an ID card of the vigilante group of Nigeria, Nasarawa state command and a photograph in which he posed with an AK47 rifle.
“The suspect is still under interrogation and will be handed over to the police for prosecution after preliminary investigation.
“Similarly, clearance operation across Gwer West, Logo and Guma LGA’s of Benue State was conducted during the weekend. Troops made contact with heavily armed herdsmen around lower Benue and a militia camp at chetarer village.
“The troops engaged the militia and followed the pursuit with M135 Helicopter of their air component. This led to a large member of them being neutralized. In all, 35 herdsmen were neutralized and a large number of them escaped with gunshot injuries.
“However, a soldier was killed in action (KIA), 2 sustained slight injuries but have been treated and discharged. Also, 1 soldier is still missing in action.
“Furthermore, OPWS in Nasarawa State arrested one Musa Habu (aged 32 years) at Kolo close to Umiasha in Toto Local Government Council. Items recovered from the suspect include; 1 locally made pistol, 2 x cartridges, 1 Techno phone and hundred and thirty naira only.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is linked with some suspected militia in that locality. He has been handed over to the DSS for further necessary action.
“In the same vein, troops of OPWS sector 3 Taraba, on patrol through Kwesati, Manya-Garagun axis made contact with 8 bandits who were arrested and were armed with 2 AK47 rifle, 1 x K2 rifle and 2 x locally made gun.
“Ammunitions recovered from them include 56 rounds of 7.6mm, 25 rounds of k2, 3x cartridge, charms, phones amongst other items. Suspects and items are to be handed over to DSS for further investigation”.
The Michia settlement in Gaambe-Tiev of Logo Local Government Area of Benue state was on Sunday thrown into mourning again as suspected armed Fulani herdsmen invaded the area killing five people and injuring several others.
According to a community leader in the council area, Joseph Anawah, the attackers invaded the community between 11.30 pm and 11.55pm Sunday night.
“The attack, which was carried out swiftly in a professional manner, has so far claimed five lives, with many wounded.
“The locals were attacked between 11:30 pm and 11:55 pm on Sunday. Mchia is a few kilometers from Anyiin town.
“Soldiers arrived the scene after the operation has been executed. Corpses of the murdered have been moved to Anyiin mortuary,” the community leader said.
Chairman of the local government area, Richard Nyajo, told our correspondent on phone that the herdsmen stormed the village late hour of Sunday and opened fire on the people, most of whom were already asleep.
Nyajo, who said that the settlement was his village, said five persons were killed instantly, with several others sustaining serious injuries.
“Yes, I can confirm to you that the herdsmen attacked my village, Mchia, killing five persons and injuring many others. After the attack, they withdrew through Arugu, a village close to Anyiin.
“The villagers traced their footsteps and discovered some bank ATM cards, which will be given as evidence to security personnel to investigate. They were 10 in number,” he said.
The chairman stated that soldiers in the area went after the attackers, saying, “but we do not know what happened afterward.”
He added that he had deposited the corpses as well as the injured persons at the General Hospital in Anyiiin.
When contacted, the state police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, said that there was a spokesman for Joint Task Force that would brief journalists on the issue.
“Well, I cannot say anything on that now. You know it is no longer police issue,. It is now a Joint Task Force, and there is a spokesman for that who will brief you people.”
However, the spokesman for Nigeria Airforce, Wing Commander Emmanuel Iheoma, said he was not aware of the attack.
No fewer than five soldiers have been reportedly killed and two others kidnapped after suspected herdsmen clashed with some personnel in Logo LGA of Benue State, yesterday.
The attackers also burnt down Army patrol vehicles during the clash.
It was gathered that the herdsmen had wanted to attack a village in Logo but where foiled by the Army men.
A youth leader who spoke to newsmen under condition of anonimity said that the attackers also burnt one of the patrol vehicle of the soldiers leaving some of them with serious injuries while others were taken captive by the attackers.
According to the source, “That community is a Tiv/Jukun settlement and it is a border community where you can hardly draw a border line between Benue and Taraba states. “From what we have gathered so far, two of the soldiers were killed some where taken alive and one of their patrol vehicles was also burnt.
“Though we had that some of the soldiers were still unaccounted for which means that the casualty figure might be higher when the true picture of the attack becomes clearer.” When contacted, the Chairman of Logo local government area, Mr. Richard Nyajo confirmed the attack. Nyajo said, “the incident happened this morning (Sunday) at about 7 to 8am.
“It happened in Logo local government area. I gave them a base at Gov in Mbagegh Council ward of Logo local government. So in the course of carrying out their peace keeping operation, they went into the bush and I don’t know whether the herdsmen heard about them, they came behind and entangled them and opened fire on them.
“They burnt one of their patrol vehicles, injured some of them, took some alive and killed one person but the second person was seriously injured and might not make it alive because he was in bad shape.
“Though one was said to be missing but by tomorrow we will get a clearer picture of the situation including the actual number of deaths because when an attack scatter a group of people like it happened and some are missing you cannot just conclude on the casualty figure.
“But surely some were killed and some were abducted. Though many among those that were missing escaped alive. But by tomorrow we will get a clearer picture of the situation.” All efforts to confirm the incident from the operational base of the Operation Whirl Stroke failed as the personnel who picked the call in one of their dedicated numbers refused to confirm the attack.
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) have arrested and paraded vicious and notorious suspects responsible for selling and supply of AK47 rifles and other firearms and ammunition to armed bandits, militias and criminal herdsmen/farmers in Benue and Taraba states.
TheNewsGuru reports the major breakthrough in the arrest of the notorious gang of dealers in prohibited firearms and ammunition in Benue and Taraba states was made known on Tuesday when the suspects were paraded at the Benue State Police Command Headquarters.
The Police paraded one 36 years old Morris Ashwe, an illegal firearms Dealer, who is said to be a native of Mbajima Village of Katsina Ala LGA of Benue State, reportedly working for one Terwase Akwaza aka Ghana.
Morris Ashwe, 36
Recovered from Morris were five (5) AK47 Rifles, two hundred and thirty eight (238) rounds of AK47 ammunition, forty (40) smoke grenade canisters and seventy-nine (79) LAR rifle ammunition.
Recovered arms and ammunition
Also arrested and paraded are illegal firearms dealers: Kabiru Idris, 43 years, a principal suspect, who was arrested in Takum town, Taraba state; Miracle Emmanuel, also a principal suspect and gang leader, 27 years native of Anambra state, and Husseini Safiyanu, a native of Taraba state, who is also a principal suspect.
Suspects and recovered arms on paradeRecovered ammunition and smoke grenade canisters
Recovered from the suspects were five (5) AK47 rifles, thirteen (13) AK47 magazines, eighty three (83) rounds of AK47 ammunition and two (2) Beretta Pistols.
Police parade suspects
The NPF also arrested and paraded Emmanuel Ushehemba Kwembe, 28 years native of Ushongo LGA; Sekad Uver, 28 years native of Koshisha LGA; Ordure Fada, 22 years native of Kwande LGA, and Stephen Jirgba, 18 years native of Vande kya LGA, all in Benue State; and who are said to be kidnappers/armed robbers.
Suspects on parade
The Police also arrested and paraded Peter Lorham, 24 years native of Kinshisha; Achir Gabriel, 30 years native of Ushongo, and Lorhemen Akwambe, 35 years native of Guma, alleged to be kidnappers/armed robbers.
Smoke grenade canisters recovered from suspects
“The renewed strategies adopted by the NPF to stop the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians and curtail the proliferation of firearms across the country, most especially in the North-Central States have been yielding positive results,” the Police said in a statement.
MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH IN THE ARREST OF NOTORIOUS GANG OF DEALERS IN PROHIBITED FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION IN BENUE AND TARABA STATES. pic.twitter.com/EiN9PsYYcv
TheNewsGuru reports the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IGP IRT) and the Police Special Forces mandated by the IGP to work with Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba State Commands, in the last two weeks, arrested the 11 suspects mentioned within Benue and Taraba States and recovered from them the 10 AK47 rifles and the other assorted firearms and ammunition.
PARADE OF VICIOUS AND NOTORIOUS SUSPECTS RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING AND SUPPLY OF AK47 RIFLES AND OTHER FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION TO ARMED BANDITS, MILITIAS, AND CRIMINAL HERDSMEN/FARMERS IN BENUE AND TARABA STATES. pic.twitter.com/0eBuGApTci
The suspects confessed to have been responsible for supply of AK47 rifles and other firearms and ammunition to armed bandits, militias, and criminal herdsmen/farmers in Benue and Taraba States.
PARADE OF SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS TERORIZING BENUE AND ITS ENVIRONS BY THE FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICERS AT THE BENUE STATE POLICE COMMAND, HEADQUARTERS ON TUESDAY, 8th MAY, 2018 pic.twitter.com/sUybieHZ0w
Morris confessed and admitted to have been supplying firearms and ammunition to the notorious and most wanted vicious and notorious gang leader of militia, murderers and kidnappers Terwase Akwaza aka Ghana.
1st Case: ILLEGAL FIREARMS DEALERSi. Morris Ashwe 36yrs Native of Mbajima Village Katsina Ala LGA Benue State (Working for Terwase Akwaza aka Ghana) pic.twitter.com/m3i8F6coIF
“Terwase Akwaza aka Ghana was declared wanted by the NPF for the merciless killings of several innocent persons and wanton destruction of properties worth millions of Naira, at Zaki Biam in Benue State on 20/3/2017 and for other violent crimes,” the Police said.
Recovered from Morris Ashwe were i. Five (5) AK47 Rifles, ii. Two Hundred and Thirty Eight (238) Rounds of AK47 Ammunition iii. Forty (40) Smoke Grenade Canisters iv. Seventy Nine (79) LAR Rifle Ammunition pic.twitter.com/QMJhina7NX
The Police revealed that the suspected kidnappers were arrested in the act of movement to kidnap a prominent person in Makurdi Benue State.
2nd Case: ILLEGAL FIREARMS DEALERS i. Kabiru Idris 43yrs – Principal Suspect – Arrested in Takum Town, Taraba State ii. Miracle Emmanuel – Principal Suspect and Gang Leader 27yrs Native of Anambra State iii. Husseini Safiyanu Native of Taraba State – Principal Suspect pic.twitter.com/fLPr76hhgA
“The arrest was made possible from intelligence gathered by the IGP Intelligence Response Team,” the Police stated.
Recovered from the suspects were i. Five (5) AK47 Rifles ii. Thirteen (13) AK47 Magazines iii. Eighty Three (83) Rounds of AK47 Ammunition pic.twitter.com/ml1hsXNN1E
The suspects confessed to have been responsible for several kidnappings in Benue, Taraba and some part of Nasarawa State in the recent past.
3rd Case – KIDNAPPERS/ARMED ROBBERS i. Emmanuel Ushehemba Kwembe 28yrs Native of Ushongo LGA ii. Sekad Uver 28yrs Native of Koshisha LGA iii. Ordure Fada 22yrs Native of Kwande LGA iv. Stephen Jirgba 18yrs Native of Vande kya LGA all in Benue State. pic.twitter.com/Qarng0qTR0
According to the Police, “Investigation is being strengthened to arrest other suspects at large. All suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation”.
3rd Case – KIDNAPPERS/ARMED ROBBERS v. Peter Lorham 24yrs Native of Kinshisha vi. Achir Gabriel 30yrs Native of Ushongo vii. Lorhemen Akwambe 35yrs Native of Guma pic.twitter.com/6dH8qBqVcw
“The deployment of additional Fifteen (15) Police mobile Force units to augment the strength of the Benue State Police Command has beefed-up security in the State and help in sustaining the peace that have been restored to the state,” the Police said.
The Force assured the people of Benue and other contiguous state of its commitment to sustain the peace that has been restored in those states.
The renewed strategies adopted by the NPF to stop the incessant killings of innocent Nigerians and curtail the proliferation of firearms across the country, most especially in the North-Central States have been yielding positive results. pic.twitter.com/cajx2JRUHk
The IGP IRT & the Police Special Forces mandated by the IGP to work with Benue, Nasarawa & Taraba State Commands, in the last 2 weeks arrested the 11 suspects mentioned above within Benue & Taraba States & recovered fm them were 10 AK47 Rifles & other assorted firearms & ammunitn pic.twitter.com/N2OlHaiVM6
In the first two cases, the suspects confessed to have been responsible for supply of AK47 rifles and other firearms and ammunition to armed bandits, militias, and criminal herdsmen/farmers in Benue and Taraba States. pic.twitter.com/gVCm54veCA
The first suspect, Morris Ashwe 36yrs Native of Mbajima Village Katsina Ala LGA Benue State confessed & admitted to have been supplying firearms & ammunition to the notorious & most wanted vicious & notorious gang leader of militia, murderers & kidnappers Terwase Akwaza aka Ghana pic.twitter.com/2a9CJkHm8t
Terwase Akwaza aka Ghana was declared wanted by the NPF for themerciless killings of several innocent persons & wanton destruction of properties worth Millions of Naira, at Zaki Biam in Benue State on 20/3/2017 & for other violent crimes pic.twitter.com/mbrDl8GvhH
In the second case, all the three (3) suspects namely Kabiru Idris, Miracle Emmanuel and Husseini Safiyanu were arrested in Taraba State and in their possession Five (5) AK47 rifles, Thirteen (13) AK47 Magazines, Eighty Three (83) Rounds of AK47 Ammunition were recovered. pic.twitter.com/hbFyr0cRwn
The 3 suspects confessed to have been supplying AK47 rifles and other firearms and ammunition to Militia groups, armed bandits and other criminals in Taraba and Benue States who they admitted have been attacking and killing innocent people in villages in Taraba and Benue States. pic.twitter.com/vGs2mgXgyC
The third case involving Seven (7) suspected kidnappers. These suspected kidnappers were arrested in the act of movement to kidnap a prominent person in Makurdi Benue State. The arrest was made possible from intelligence gathered by the IGP Intelligence Response Team. pic.twitter.com/9HIcRswktZ
Two (2) Beretta Pistols were recovered from the seven suspects. They confessed to have been responsible for several kidnappings in Benue, Taraba and Some part of Nasarawa State in the recent past. pic.twitter.com/BnSjGWBBpG
Investigation is being strengthened to arrest other suspects at large. All suspects will be arraigned in court on completion of investigation. pic.twitter.com/Q7m6lqvg0i
The deployment of additional Fifteen (15) Police mobile Force units to augment the strength of the Benue State Police Command has beefed-up security in the State and help in sustaining the peace that have been restored to the state. pic.twitter.com/pz9gugiJx9
The Force hereby wishes to assure the people of Benue and other contiguous state of its commitment to sustain the peace that have been restored in those states. pic.twitter.com/zemekcRTXZ
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a new Battalion of the Nigerian Army, as well as a new Police Area Command in the violence-prone Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The approvals are part of measures to scale up the security response to the banditry affecting the area, Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, said in a statement on Monday evening.
The emir of the town said on Monday that the death toll from the attack had risen to 58.
Scores of people including soldiers and police officers had been killed in previous attacks by bandits in the local government.
The president strongly condemns the latest massacre of innocent Nigerians in the area, Shehu said.
“I am deeply outraged by this unwarranted, unprovoked and reckless destruction of lives by bandits who belong to the lowest level of civilization. I feel the pains and devastation of the families of the victims, and this administration will do everything possible to ensure we defeat these enemies of humanity,” Buhari was quoted as saying in the statement.
Shehu said the new army battalion and the police area command are the latest in a series of law enforcement measures to ensure more effective protection of lives and property, in and around Benue, Kaduna, Taraba, Zamfara and Nasarawa States.
Last week the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of two new helicopter gunships, for deployment to parts of the country affected by banditry.
A Quick Response Wing has also been established by the Nigerian Air Force in Taraba State, while a Joint Military Intervention Force is fully on ground in Benue, Shehu said.
However, despite the deployments in Benue and Taraba, killings have continued in both states.
According to Shehu, President Buhari assures that security remains a priority for his government; and his administration will not tolerate the persistent killing of innocent people in order to set Nigerians against one another.
“These persistent killings are not spontaneous; there are subterranean forces with a sinister agenda to instigate war in the country for selfish purposes,” the president was quoted as saying.
“Although unconventional war is particularly complicated, our security forces are making rigorous efforts to better understand these enemies with a view to decisively checkmating their evil attacks.”
Buhari extended his condolences to the families of the latest victims, the government and the people of Kaduna State over the tragedy. He assured that his government will never abandon them to their fate.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, visited the affected Gwaska community in Birnin Gwari on Monday evening.
At Birnin Gwari, El-Rufai met with the emir, Jibril Zubair, and community leaders before proceeding to Gwaska, the scene of the latest fatal attack.
At the palace of the emir, El-Rufai expressed his sorrow and offered condolences to the people.
“I came here to share the pain and anguish of our people, the predicament of innocent citizens whose lives were cut short due to the terrorism of bandits and criminals who have been tormenting us.
“I and my team will be proceeding to Gwaska and other communities to see for ourselves and talk directly to the people. But I want to say again, that we are not sleeping and by the grace of God we will overcome this evil act and the terrorism being unleashed on our people.”
In his response, the emir, Jibril Zubair, praised the federal and state governments for demonstrating commitment to the plight of his people.
“We are grateful for your deep condolences and empathy. We are grateful for all your commitment to resolving the plight of Birnin Gwari people. As a member of the State Security Council, I am in the know of federal and state government commitment.
“The IGP and the GOC were here and have confirmed the establishment of a Battalion of the army and Police Area Command. I am happy that you are going to Gwaska and other communities to see for yourself.”
![Breaking: Police arrest, parade vicious, notorious Benue armed gang [Photos]](https://thenewsguru.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Morris-Ashwe-36.jpg)
