My good people of Benue State,

I address you today with a heavy heart, deeply saddened by the recent events in Ukum Local Government Area. The unprovoked and senseless killing of 6 (Six) innocent lives by bandits on Tuesday night has left us all in mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.

2.​ Since the advent of our administration, several efforts have been put in place to eliminate the activities of bandits. Consequently, the combined efforts of our security agencies push back some bandits from their handouts and subsequently neutralized two bandits, recovered seven motorcycles, two English pistols, a Toyota Camry, and commercial tricycle and lots of charms. As a reprisal, some bandits hit some soft target and killed the earlier aforementioned six civilians at Ayati, believing that the members of the Ayati community were responsible for giving information on their operations and locations and handouts.

3.​ This led to an initial protest of anger and frustration of family members and women regarding the killings of their loved ones on the Ayati-Sai road down to Sankera, understandably. Regrettably, these peaceful protests were hijacked by bandits and miscreants who had carefully planned to undertake and unleash mayhem on businesses and peace-loving people of Sankera.

4.​ I assure you that I have listened. The mayhem caused by these heinous acts of violence has not gone unnoticed and I stand with you in condemning these atrocities. Full military intervention has been ordered. My heart goes out to the three soldiers and two police officers who were wounded in the line of duty protecting lives and properties of citizens in Sankera. They have all been treated and discharged. I had earlier in the day directed the Deputy Governor, who had visited and carried out on-the-spot assessment of the scenes of these devastating destructions.

5.​ However, let me make it clear that while we empathize with the pain and frustration felt, we must channel our energies towards constructive actions. Destruction of public property and chaos only serve to compound our challenges and divert resources that could be better used to address the root causes of these issues.

6.​ Our administration is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents in Benue State. We are intensifying our efforts in collaborating with the security agencies to bring the perpetrators of these violent and criminal acts to justice. Already, we have started getting positive results. We are also working on preventive measures to ensure such incidents does not reoccur, now or in future.

7.​ Development remains at the forefront of our agenda. Despite the challenges we face, we are committed to attracting and bringing forth development to all parts of Benue State. We understand that peace and security are the bedrock of development and we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of a safe and prosperous Benue State.

8.​ To our dedicated workers, your welfare remains a top priority of our administration. We recognize the sacrifices you make daily and we are committed to ensuring that your rights and well-being are protected. We will continue to implement policies that support your growth, development and overall welfare.

9.​ I appeal to the good people of Sankera and its environs to remain calm and exercise restraint. Let us work together to rebuild our communities and restore peace. Your government is here for you and we are committed to addressing your concerns with urgency and diligence.

10.​ Let me for the last time extend our hands of fellowship to all our youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens that our administration may no longer guarantee the olive branch extended to them.

11.​ Let us not allow the actions of a few to destabilize us. We will not sit back and allow anyone or a group to frustrate the peace of the State and destabilize the government of Benue State. To this end, our government will in the next few days, set up a commission of enquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of this mayhem. Additionally, more actions will be taken to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to bringing these retrogressive activities to a total end.

12.​ Thank you. May God bless Benue State, and may all our efforts remain in our common interest in bringing peace to Benue State.