By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Governorship contender on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Benue ahead of the 2027 general elections, Professor Sebastine Hon (SAN), has assured the people that under his watch as governor of the state, no inch of Benue soil would be surrendered to terrorists, insisting that no Benue life will either be wasted without consequence.
Hon who disclosed this yesterday in a statement by his Director of campaign, Dr. Ngutor Anyam while reacting to the recent attack and killings of over 11 community members of Edikwu-Ankpali in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State, noted that the people are tired of lamentations and are therefore demanding action and accountability.
He emphasized that the current leadership in the state must be called to tasks, especially where they swore to protect lives and property, urging the Benue governor to protect the people now or admit that he cannot and should resign honourably.
The senior advocate of Nigeria wondered why attacks and killings of innocent victims occur always on Sundays,” why on a Holy Day when Christians gather to worship” he queried, describing the attacks as calculated evil designed to maximise casualties and desecrate faith of the people.
Hon equally questioned the reason pastoralists who graze on ancestral land kill the people driving them away without concern by government authorities, insisting that for too long Apa, Agatu, Gwer-West, Gwer-East, Guma, Logo, Ukum, Katsina-Ala, Kwande and even Makurdi Local Government Areas have bled for too long under relentless terror.
He accused the Benue state government for watching the pogrom in silence without no arrest, no justice and no protection, also blaming authorities for always issuing press statements and condolences to bereaved families without further action.
The PDP governorship aspirant said his campaign organization stands with the grieving families of Edikwu-Ankpali, every Benue community under siege, stating that the people have had enough blood shade, and excuses for too long hence the need to end the Killings now.
He asked God to bless the souls of those beloved brothers and sisters who lost their lives during the attack, praying that the good Lord grant the deceased eternal rest and their families the fortitude to bear the loss.