The governor of Benue, Hyacinth Alia, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Ukum LGA of the state following a protest and killings that occurred in the area.
He declared the curfew during a news conference in Makurdi, the capital of Benue, not long after a security council meeting was held.
The state deputy governor, who represented the Alia, stated that the curfew was necessary “due to the rampant destruction of government properties and threats to lives in the area”.
He expressed amazement at the security challenges in Ukum, which he said have “resulted in lawlessness, destruction of government properties, and threats to lives”.
The governor then implored all stakeholders and security agencies to adhere strictly to the curfew in order to safeguard residents and their properties.
“Subsequently, the curfew will be from 6 pm to 6 am, starting Thursday, July 4, until further notice,” the governor said.
A number of youths stormed the Ayati-Sai road in Ukum LGA on Wednesday and blocked it in protest against the alleged continuous killings in the area.
The protesters also invaded the council secretariat in Zaki Biam, destroying properties, expressing their dissatisfaction over the “government’s indifference” to the alleged killings.
Police spokesperson in Benue, Sewuese Anene, stated that all tactical teams had been deployed to reinforce security in the area.