Benue State governor Hyacinth Alia has imposed a 24-hour curfew on the Ukum local government area, effective 3 pm yesterday.
A statement by Solomon Iorpev, the governor’s technical adviser on media, publicity, and strategic communication, explained that the development followed the grave security situation in the region, which has led to the wanton destruction of property and instability in the area.
The governor who gave the order through his deputy, Bar. Dr Sam Ode stated, “Beginning today, 3rd July 2024, a curfew has been imposed on Ukum Local Government and its environs beginning from 3 pm to 3 pm, 4th July 2024.”
He quoted the governor as calling for calm as security operatives have been deployed in their numbers to ensure peace in the area.
LEADERSHIP investigations revealed that youths of the Borikyo community in Ukum LG took to the streets to protest the murder of 6 members of the community in the wee hours of Tuesday to draw the attention of the government.
A local source who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that bandits in the area took advantage of the protest and set ablaze the LG secretariat as well as the properties of prominent politicians in the area.