By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi Innocent, has revealed how his officers engaged in a fierce gun duel with the attackers of Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area in a bid to protect the dwellers of the community
Innocent stressed that the gun fire exchange lasted for six hours on Saturday, adding that over 200 persons were killed.
Speaking on Sunday, while addressing a group of protesting youths who came out en masse to demand an end to the bloodshed, Emenari assured the public that the police are on the ground and committed to restoring peace across the state.
“We exchanged gunfire with the attackers for more than six hours during the Yelewata incident. I was monitoring the situation in real time,” the Commissioner stated.
While urging the angry youths and general body to remain calm and support his men in their bid to put an end to the insecurity ravaging the state, Emenari expressed confidence that the development which he described as “a phase” would soon pass.
“In the last one month, you’ll notice that security presence has intensified across the state. This is just a phase. We are already passing through it. It’s like a snake, when you cut off its head, it still struggles for a while. That is what you’re seeing now. But we have already cut the head of the snake. Peace will definitely return.”
The commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to nipping insecurity in the bud, adding that the force would not rest until Benue enjoys lasting peace.
