April 14, (THEWILL) – Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has directed security agencies in the state to rescue the abducted wife and house help of former Chief of Staff, Terwase Orbunde, and arrest criminal elements disrupting the peace of the state.
The Governor gave the directives when he received a briefing concerning the attack on Orbunde, who was the former Chief of Staff to former Governor Samuel Ortom, and the abduction of his wife and house help by unknown gunmen.
Governor Alia emphasised his readiness and willingness to continue to provide the necessary support needed by the security agencies to ensure the state is rid of nefarious activities.
He also condemned in strong terms the unfortunate incident, saying, “I am shocked and dismayed by this barbaric act. I have said this, and I must keep saying it. Security should, and must be everyone’s concern. The law enforcement agencies and the government need information. Make it a culture that any time you see something, you say something.”
The Governor, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, in Makurdi on Sunday, said while insecurity has become a global issue and is not peculiar to Benue State alone, he will continue working round the clock to secure every life and property in the state.
He assured all Benue residents that security is a top priority in his administration, adding that matters of insecurity will soon be a thing of the past.
Recall that suspected armed herdsmen, on Friday, attacked the former Chief of Staff, adopting his wife and house help in the process.
An eyewitness said that the incident took place at the mass burial cemetery along Mobile Barracks-Welfare Quarters Road in Makurdi, the state capital, at about 6pm.
Orbunde was said to have escaped with a gunshot on his right arm while the attackers whisked away his wife, Mrs Abigail Kashimana, and house help, Patience Ogute.
Orbunde was said to have gone, alongside his wife and house help, to inspect the weeding of their farm located close to the road. After the inspection and payment of workers, the gunmen suddenly arrived and attacked them as they walked back to their car.
It was further gathered that the attackers, after opening fire on Orbunde, whisked away his wife and house help to an unknown destination, causing villagers and passersby to scamper for safety. The former Chief of Staff was said to be bleeding profusely and unable to walk quickly before a good Nigerian conveyed him to the hospital.
The attackers have, however, opened talks with the family of the former Chief of Staff, demanding N100 million ransom as a condition for the release of the victims.
Police Public Relations Officer, Benue State Command, SP Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the incident, said a crack team has been deployed to rescue the victims.
