Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has inaugurated the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the disturbances/attacks in Ukum Local Government Area (and other matter connected Therewith).

Performing the exercise Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi Governor Alia said it was imperative to set up a Commission of Inquiry in response to the incessant security breaches in Ukum Local Government Area and its environs and in fulfillment of his administration’s constitutional duty of protecting the lives and property of the Benue people.

He said it was important to inquire into the root cause(s) of the disturbances/attacks in Ukum Local Government Area and its environs with a view to taking appropriate actions in the interest of the Benue people.

The Governor gave the committee terms of reference to include:

a. To inquire into, investigate and ascertain the remote and immediate causes of the incessant disturbances/attacks/security breaches in Ukum LGA and the number of communities affected;

b. Identify the person, group of persons or association(s) that are involved in the security breaches in the area and make recommendations as to the measures to be taken against such person or group of persons or association(s)

c. Investigate and determine the actual number of lives and properties lost as a result of the disturbances/attacks and ascertain the persons directly affected by same

d. Have full powers to hold hearings in public and/or in camera and to summon any individual, group or association with vital information regarding the disturbances/attacks to give oral or written evidence as the case may be.

e. Make general or specific recommendations on short- and long-term measures to forestall future occurrences of such disturbances/attacks in Ukum LGA and its environs.

Members of the committee include:

1. Hon. Justice Samson Itodo (Rtd) – Chairman

2. Mr. Felix Iber – Member

3. SP. Timothy Atondo Ayakpam – Member

4. Mr. Enyikwola Ejembi – Lead Counsel

5. Mrs. Ngufan Ahenjir – Secretary

While congratulating them, Governor Alia expressed confidence in their pedigrees and wealth of experience believing that they would deliver excellently in the task assigned to them.

Hon. Justice Samson Itoto, who responded on behalf of the committee noted with immense gratitude the recognition the Governor accorded them to embark on such a task, saying they have accepted it and that they would work tirelessly to justify the confidence reposed in them.

Isaac Uzaan,

PSA to the Governor on Media & Content Creation.