Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state following serious security breaches in the area.

Alia announced the measure at a news briefing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, shortly after the State Security Council meeting on Wednesday, July 3, 2024.

Alia, who was represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, said the curfew became imperative, “following the wanton destruction of government’s property and threats to lives in the area”.

He said the state government was surprised with the security situation in the area, “which has led to the breakdown of law and order and wanton destruction of government property and threat to lives.”

The governor noted that the curfew was to ensure the safety and protection of lives and property of the residents.

Governor Alia, therefore, charged all the stakeholders and security agencies to take note of the measure and ensure strict compliance.

Angry youths raze INEC office in Benue

According to him, the curfew would take effect in and around Ukum for 24 hours, from 3 p.m. on Wednesday to 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4.

He added: “Thereafter, it will be from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning from Thursday, July 4, until further notice.

“This is the announcement from the Benue State Government’s seat of power.”

A large number of youths, on Wednesday, took over Ayati-Sai Road in Ukum LGA and barricaded it to protest the incessant killings in the area.

The youths also invaded the council Secretariat in Zaki Biam and destroyed things to express their displeasure over what they described as “government’s insensitivity” toward the alleged killings in the area.

They also set ablaze the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the area.

The Benue State Police Command said all the tactical teams within the area had arrived to beef up security in the locality.

The Star