Benue calls for investigation into Ukum council massacre

By PETER DURU

MAKURDI — Benue State Government has urged the state’s Police Command to unearth the masterminds of the recent killings at Ayati, Agena and Agbaye communities in Ukum Local Government Area, where a local militia reportedly massacred 13 persons, injured many and burnt down houses and huts of residents.

Acting Governor of the state, Chief Steven Lawani, told journalists, yesterday, in Makurdi that “the state government is working in collaboration with the Police to fish out leaders of the gang responsible for the bloody attack.

“But despite that unfortunate incident, Benue remains a safe place and I can assure you that the safety of the lives and property of each and every individual residing or passing through Benue State is safe.

“Already, Police has been urged to investigate and apprehend the masterminds of the attack and I can assure you that we are working closely with the Police to ensure that the peace of Benue is not disrupted by anyone or group.

“Moreover, the security report I have indicates that everything is peaceful and there is no breach of security in Benue State.”

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG, Zone 4 Makurdi, Mr. Mike Zuokumor, and Benue State Commissioner of Police, Adams Audu, have also ordered full scale investigations into the killings.

The duo gave the order after visiting the besieged communities where they assured the residents of the safety of their lives and property.

According to a statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent Daniel Ezeala, “while addressing the besieged communities, the AIG appealed for calm and also ordered full investigations into the killings.”

NMA's claim

Meanwhile, Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, said yesterday that Nigeria was losing $800 million (about N125 billion) annually to medical tourism.

The National President of the NMA, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, made the announcement in Sokoto at a news conference at the end of the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the association.

According to him, no fewer than 5,000 Nigerians travel to India annually for medical tourism.

He said: “That is why we are commending Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State for heeding our advice when he had an accident and he stayed back in Nigeria for treatment.

“Other public and political office holders should emulate him and have confidence that there are adequate medical manpower and facilities in Nigeria.”

“There is, therefore, the urgent need for investments in the nation’s healthcare system.”

Enabulele urged President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, other top public officials and political office holders to emulate the Kogi governor.

He said: “If this is done, the high rate of capital flight as a result of medical tourism would be curbed and Nigerians should only travel for treatment when it becomes absolutely necessary.”

Enabulele said that the association was fully committed to taking the nation’s health sector to greater heights.

He said that 3,700 patients were attended to in Tambuwal, Wamakko and Gwadabawa communities during the three-day free medical outreach programme, which ended on August.28 in Sokoto State.

The NMA President added that no fewer than 98 free surgical operations were conducted in three local government areas of the state during the programme.