From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Some members of the Benue State House of Assembly have been attacked by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia.
Our correspondent gathered that the attack took place Thursday night at about 10 pm around Kilometer 16 along the Makurdi/ Gboko Road.
The Assembly members were reportedly returning from a public hearing which took place in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, (LGA) of the state when the herdsmen opened fire on them.
Chairman House Committee on Information and Orientation, Hon Elias Audu, has confirmed the incident.
Audu, in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, condemned the unwarranted attack on the members and other law abiding citizens of the State.
The statement read “The Benue state House of Assembly has condemned, in strong terms, attack on residents of Tyomu and Mbakera in Gwer Local government area.”
He explained that “Yesterday 23rd May 2024, by 10 pm, Honourable members of 10th Benue State House of Assembly were returning from Katsina Ala after public hearing on a bill for a law to provide for the establishment of Benue State Civil Protection Guards and for purposes connected there with, suspected herders numbering more than 40 on motorcycles ambushed them at Tyomu and shot severally at the vehicles conveying members.
“Honourable Members who were attacked includes Majority Leader Saater Tiseer, Chief whip, Hon Ipusu Bemdoo of Katsina Ala, Hon Samuel Jiji of Logo, Hon Simon Gabo of Mata State Constituency and Rt Hon Cephas Dyaku representing Konshisha State Constituency.”
He also lamented that residents of Tyomu community and Mbakera have been invaded by the suspected herders for several days unchallenged.
The statement said the Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Aondona Dajoh is worried that the mode of operation of the attackers shows that the attacks were carefully planned by herders who are enemies of the State.
The Speaker also worried that attack on members on a day of public hearing on a security Bill is more worrisome saying it may not be a coincidence.
He stated that the House will remain committed and resolute in carrying out her legislative assignments in the interest of the State.
He further called on security agents to immediately arrest the terrorists and bring them to Justice.