President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the recent attacks in Benue State that have reportedly claimed 36 lives.
The Herald can report that herdsmen attacked a farming community, Gbeji in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State on Wednesday.
A survivor identified as Ataa told newsmen on Friday that 23 persons were initially confirmed killed in the attack but 13 more bodies have since been recovered from the bush while some persons remained unaccounted for.
Senator for Benue East and former Governor of the state, Gabriel Suswam decried the killings, saying it smacked of failure of the Federal Government.
But in a Saturday statement by his Senior Special Assistant, Garba Shehu, the president said it was unacceptable for lives to be taken by herdsmen and farmers alike.
He promised that his government would hold those behind the attacks to account.
“No one should attack anyone because of their way of life. Neither should anyone take revenge on others for injustice done to them. Both should be held accountable for their actions, and justice delivered.
“It is equally unacceptable for the lives of those merely practising their duties as police officers and government officials to also be lost. Government will hold those that took those lives to account,” the statement read in part.
“There are many times when President Buhari and Governor Ortom of Benue State have disagreed politically. But, today, the President puts all these aside, to reach out to the Governor to express the heartfelt condolences of the nation for what has occurred in recent days.
“The President pledges the full support of the Federal administration in assisting him, his State government, and people of Benue with resources to investigate what has occurred.
When tragedies like this occur, we must remember first and foremost that we are all Nigerians.
“Politics too often gets in the way of what is best for our nation. Too often, it divides us. As those who have been entrusted with leadership by our citizens, we have a duty to remember that, and do everything we can to bridge divisions and come together in the interests of all our people,” the statement further read.