A traditional ruler, Zaki Ortar Agwa Mnyange Kwahar has been suspended from office in line with Chieftaincy laws to enable full blown investigation into the crisis rocking Mbatyough, Mbagen Council Ward in Buruku Local Area of Benue State.
The decision was taken after the Governor, Samuel Ortom, held a meeting with the Tor Jemgbagh, HRH Chief Afatyo Ajoko, Ter Buruku HRH Moses Hanior, Mue Ter HRH Tivfa Addingi; the kindred heads in the wards and elders from the area at the Benue people House on Friday, 26th March, 2021.
While he condemned the gruesome manner in which a widow, Mrs Shaade Nyihemba was murdered by unknown criminals, he urged the Police and the DSS to investigate and fish out perpetrators of the heinous crime.
In a statement which was sent to CAPITAL POST on Saturday by the Hon. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ngunan Addingi, also banned some illegal groups from operating.
The statement said: All youth groups in Yemakem were banned with immediate effect. All activities of Yamakem youth association were also suspended indefinitely.
“The Governor said police personnel at the donated police station in Diwa, Mbatyough Council Ward would be withdrawn immediately and the police station shut down until proper documentation is completed.
“Governor Ortom warned against floating of parallel Vigilante groups in the council wards and emphasized that anyone found hosting such groups would be sanctioned.
“The Governor cautioned Benue Livestock Guards to restrict their operations within the mandate of the outfit which is primarily about preventing open grazing and rustling of animals.
“He warned that any member of the Livestock Guards found operating outside the stipulated mandate would be expelled from the organization.
“Traditional rulers were told to promote peace and security meetings in their domains to settle communal disputes.
“Governor Ortom encouraged Benue people, particularly youths to shun acts inimical to peace and support the government to guarantee the safety of lives and property while providing development to the state.”
