Benue killings: HURIWA demands Alia’s resignation

Urges Tinubu to strengthen security operations By Chioma Obinna ABUJA — The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has called for the resignation of Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, over what it described as his administration’s failure to adequately protect lives and property amid persistent attacks and killings in the state. HURIWA’s demand followed the latest attack on Ayilamo community in Tombo Ward, Logo Local Government Area, where 11 people, including four mobile police officers, were killed. In a statement by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, the group said the attack underscored the worsening security situation in Benue and questioned the capacity of the state government to protect residents. HURIWA said: “Governor Alia cannot continue to govern as if the persistent bloodshed in Benue is a normal security challenge.

” The association urged the governor to “accept responsibility for his administration’s security failures and resign if he can no longer guarantee the protection of the people entrusted to his government. ” The Ayilamo attack occurred between Thursday night, September 10, and the early hours of Friday, September 11, when armed attackers invaded the community. The police confirmed that 11 people were killed, comprising seven civilians and four mobile police officers. The slain officers were identified as ASP Paul Ina and Inspectors Mohammed Yusuf, Oge Ikechukwu and Edeh Andrew. HURIWA condemned the attack and called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, identify and arrest the perpetrators and prosecute them. It also demanded accountability over what it described as repeated failures that had allowed armed groups to attack communities, kill residents and destroy livelihoods. The rights group…