Bur urges tighter security at border with Cameroun
From Simeon Nwakaudu, Makurdi
A FORMER Benue State Deputy Governor, Chief Ason Bur, has listed ways to curb the violence that has rocked Kwande Local Council, which led to loss of many lives and destruction of property.
In his view, the arrest of the masterminds and influx of arms from Cameroun were the keys to the solution.
He spoke in Makurdi, the state capital on Monday, while testifying before the Justice Kazim Alogbo Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Kwande and Ukum political disturbances.
He called for the arrest and prosecution of a defeated gubernatorial candidate.
Bur, who was led in evidence by his counsel, Vincent Uji, blamed the defeated All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) gubernatorial candidate, Mr. Paul Unongo, for the entire crisis, pointing out that without him, elections in Kwande council were usually peaceful.
The witness urged the Federal Government to establish a police and military outpost at Abande and Ityuav close to Cameroun border to check the menace of criminals and troublemakers.
Bur decried the absence of Immigrations officers and other security agents at the Benue end of the border with Cameroun to check arms smuggling from that country.
He also said Kwande should split into several local councils to isolate and minimise the activities of mischief-makers.
He urged the commission to recommend the conduct of free elections into Kwande Council since the last one was characterised by violence. Bur added that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would win because a majority of the people of the area are its supporters, many of whom have been killed while others lost their property.
Bur said during the local council elections, even Benue State Independent Electoral Commission (BSIEC) workers were attacked and electoral materials confiscated.
Relatedly, Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs Commissioner, Mr. Emmanuel Udende, has advised Senate Deputy Minority leader, Prof. Daniel Saror, to appear before the commission over serious allegations levelled against him.
Udende told reporters in Makurdi that as one of those repeatedly accused by aggrieved persons at the commission, Saror owes the state a duty to clear himself.
His words: "One of the persons crippled by the youths has allegedly testified that Prof. Saror brought violence to Ukum Council".
He wondered why Saror has not appeared before the commission when he complained that elections in Ukum were marred by violence.
"It is unfortunate that Senator Saror is making wild allegations against the people", the commissioner said.
Saror had stated that the Benue State chapter of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) will not appear before the commission, which he alleged, was not balanced in its composition.
But the Benue State government which set it up said it comprises sound and unbiased jurists.
On his part, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, has urged the security agencies to beam their searchlights on opposition leaders for those who attacked the Gboko residences of Chief George Akume and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr. Iyorchia Ayu on July 12.
Agerzua stated that it is necessary to direct attention at ANPP leaders because of previous security reports, which allegedly implicated some of them in plans to attack and burn down the houses of some prominent persons in Gboko.
He accused ANPP leaders and spokesmen of pointing accusing fingers at others to divert attention from the real culprits.
He recalled that on May 25, 2004, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Edwin Jando (rtd), had issued a statement alerting members of the public of plans to cause trouble in Vandeikya, Ushongo and Gboko.
Agerzua said the adviser's statement had specifically disclosed that the troublemakers had targeted the palace of the Tor Tiv and the residences of Dr. Ayu and Governor Akume.
He described as fabrications statements by ANPP spokespersons that the attack was masterminded by militia sponsored by Ayu and Akume who had stormed the residences to demand for payment.
He said that from available evidence, the contrary was the case, saying numerous criminal acts have been perpetrated by opposition militia.
