Alia imposes 24-hour curfew in Benue community over killings, unrest

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Ukum LGA of the state after a protest and killings in the area.

Alia declared the curfew at a news conference in Makurdi, the capital of Benue, shortly after a security council meeting. 

Sam Ode, the deputy governor of Benue, who represented Alia, stated that the curfew was necessary “due to the rampant destruction of government properties and threats to lives in the area”.

The governor expressed shock at the security challenges in Ukum, which he said have “resulted in lawlessness, destruction of government properties, and threats to lives”.

He urged all stakeholders and security agencies to adhere strictly to the curfew 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.

Some 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, damaging properties to express their dissatisfaction over the “government’s indifference” to the alleged killings.

Sewuese Anene, police spokesperson in Benue, said all tactical teams had been deployed to reinforce security in the area.