The Senate Joint Committee on Intelligence, Defence, Police Affairs and Interior has visited flash points in Benue, Plateau and Nassarawa States for on-the-spot assessments.

Receiving the Committee in audience, the Benue State Governor, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Suswan stated that the escalation in the crisis is due to a combination of factors, chief of which was that mercenaries were involved in the indiscriminate killings of people and destruction of properties. He said, it was unimaginable for diverse ethnic groups that had lived and intermingled amongst themselves for ages to turn on each other in such barbaric manner.

He stated that, “these people are not sparing anybody” pointing that it is simply an invasion. The level of killings, destruction and rustling of cows is massive.

Senator Muhammad Magoro, Chairman of the Joint Committee and leader of the delegation encouraged the people to return to their farms. He further stated that the incidence of killings and destruction is unfortunate but gave assurances that Government will do all within its powers to curb such atrocities and defend the people.

Senator Barnabas Gemade, who hails from the Senatorial district worst hit, speaking to the people in Tiv language commiserated with the people and pledging relieve for the people in the shortest possible time.

In Plateau State, the Committee was received by the Deputy Governor, Datong Longjam and members of the Executive Council of the state. The Deputy Governor thanked the Committee for their show of support and readiness to collaborate with them for the return of peace. He said the incidence of serial attacks leading to killings and destruction of properties is both baffling and painful.

In Nassarawa, the Committee was equally received by the state Deputy Governor, Dameshi Luka. He assured the Committee that the State was ready to do all within its powers and in partnership with the Senate Joint Committee for the restoration of peace and harmony in the state.