The Benue State Police have arrested 18 individuals in connection with the violent protests that erupted in Ukum Local Government Area.
The unrest followed the killing of at least 11 people on Wednesday morning by armed outlaws, whose activities have continued to terrorize the Sankera axis, which includes Ukum, Kastina-Ala, and Logo local government areas.
In response to the escalating violence, Governor Hyacinth Alia imposed a 24-hour curfew on Wednesday to restore order and prevent further chaos.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, numerous properties belonging to both the government and private individuals were damaged during the protest.
The demonstration turned violent as protesters clashed with security forces.
Anene detailed that, “On July 3, 2024, Ukum Police Division received reports of an attack by suspected bandits on a village in the Ayati community of Ukum LGA, resulting in the deaths of six people. Police teams were quickly deployed to the area to prevent additional violence.”
ALSO READ: Police arrest 106 suspected thugs within 10 days — Kano CP
“It is worthy of note that Ukum is a boundary area between Benue and Taraba state which has been a turbulent area in the state. This turbulence increased after the death of the dreaded popular Gana and Ukum has attracted the highest deployment of security agents in the state. The deployment is made to curtail activities of bandits that are found in three LGAs; Ukum, Logo and Kastina-Ala collectively called Sankera axis.
“At about 0800hrs, violent protesters in hundreds began a protest obviously sponsored by criminals to unleash mayhem on the people and destabilise security network that has prevented them from operating freely in the area especially with recent successful operations that dislodged several bandit camps in the last two months.
“During this violent protest, personal and government properties were destroyed. These hoodlums also made an attempt to invade Ukum Police Division but were repelled by officers on guard duty.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Hassan Steve Yabanet FCID, psc (+) has since moved to the area with tactical teams and heads of other security agents to forestall further breakdown of law and order.”
