Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State at the weekend ordered the immediate release of nine kidnapped children from Saint John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon community in Ado Local Government of the state.
The directive was a fallout of the high level security meeting held at the palace of the Och’Idoma in Otukpo, which brought together the Idoma traditional council and top security officials in the state.
Governor Alia, represented by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, expressed deep concern over the abduction, and called for a crucial security summit in Benue South Senatorial District to address the security challenges confronting the zone and state at large.
The Governor emphasized, “We need to deepen our discussions and take decisive action to restore peace and safety to our communities”.
Earlier, during his visit to the church to console grieving parents, Governor Alia assured them that the government was working tirelessly for the safe rescue of the children.
“We share in your pain and urge you not to lose hope. Our security agencies are doing everything possible to rescue the children, and those responsible will face the full wrath of the law”.
The Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo, in a remark, expressed grave concern over the rising insecurity in Idoma land.
Dr. John Elaigwu called on security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and end the wave of violence in the region.
The traditional ruler also called for enforcement of the Benue State Anti-Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law of 2017, which he believes is vital to ending the cycle of killings and unrest caused by security lapses.
Representative of the Benue State Commissioner of Police, DCP. Asuquo O.S. said that the Inspector-General of Police has ordered the deployment of a tactical team to the area.
He assured the public that the children are a priority, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return.
New Telegraph reports that it has been over a week since the children including six girls and three boys, were abducted during a midnight prayer session at Saint John the Cross Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon.
