Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom has confirmed that eight people, including militia members were killed during the military operation in parts of Konshisha Local Government Area of the state.
Briefing journalists on Friday afternoon at Benue Peoples House, Ortom said a report from the Konshisha Council Chairman indicated that there was no operation today even as he appealed to the military to ceasefire.
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Governor Ortom said the appeal became necessary to prevent the loss of more innocent lives in the affected communities and sympathized with victims of the crisis and assured the people that his administration will ensure that no more lives are lost.
He stated that out of the weapons seized from the military by youths of the area, three had been recovered while he had directed the Local Government Chairman, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to see that the remaining arms are recovered.
Governor Ortom appealed to those fueling the crisis in the media to desist from the act and support the government to find lasting peace in the area.
Answering questions from journalists, Governor Ortom said the deployment of soldiers to the warring communities of Konshisha and Oju was in compliance with President Muhammadu Busari’s order to security agencies to shoot on sight, anyone in possession of illegal weapons.
He gave assurance that the Benue State Government will ensure the demarcation of the boundary between Bonta community of Konshisha and Okpute in Oju to put the dispute to rest.
