The General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Comr. Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, has expressed profound grief following the gruesome killing of three of his cousins by unknown gunmen at Tse-Bende, Mbawev, Utange Council Ward in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
The deceased were identified as Joshua Vendaga Ugbian Kiishi, Samuel Shaapera Orkula Kiishi and Michael Mchiaga Orkula Kiishi. Comr. Fanafa received the shocking news shortly after arriving at St. Mary’s Uma, Joo Mbatyough, Ikyurav-Tiev II, where he had gone to attend a Thanksgiving Mass in honour of Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia. Upon receiving the report, he immediately abandoned the engagement and proceeded to his village to identify with his family and community members in their moment of grief.
At the scene, Comr. Fanafa could not hide his emotions as he mourned the tragic and untimely loss of his relatives. He described the incident as a painful and devastating blow not only to the bereaved families but also to the entire Mbawev community. Overcome with emotion, he wept profusely upon seeing the remains of his slain relatives and prayed fervently for the peaceful repose of their souls, as well as for strength and comfort for the bereaved families and the wider community.
Speaking amid tears, he appealed to his kinsmen and community members to remain vigilant and take the security of their families and communities seriously. He urged parents and community leaders to pay close attention to movements and activities within their areas and to promptly report any suspicious individuals or activities to the appropriate security agencies. In an emotional appeal, Comr. Fanafa also called on those responsible for the killings to come forward, reveal the reasons behind their actions, and if possible acknowledge their wrongdoing and tender an apology, noting that the people of Mbawev have suffered too much from violence and that there is an urgent need to end the cycle of bloodshed and retaliation.
Responding to the concerns of his people, he acknowledged the efforts of the Benue State Government under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia in addressing security challenges in communities across Shitile, Sankera and other parts of the state. He assured the grieving community that he would personally convey their concerns, fears and appeals to the relevant authorities, including the Chief Security Officer of the State, for necessary attention and intervention. He further called for calm, unity and cooperation among the people, emphasising the need for communities to work closely with government and security agencies in the collective effort to restore lasting peace and security.
In a further demonstration of compassion, Comr. Fanafa immediately offered concrete support to the children of the deceased. He paid the school fees for one full academic year for the fourteen children left behind by the three victims, ensuring that their education would not be interrupted by the tragic loss of their fathers. He described the gesture as his modest way of standing with the children and their families at a time of unimaginable pain and uncertainty.
He appealed to all stakeholders, community leaders, security agencies and government authorities to intensify efforts toward protecting innocent citizens and preventing further loss of lives, stressing that the people deserve to live in peace and without fear. The tragic incident has once again underscored the urgent need for sustained efforts toward the protection of lives and property and the restoration of peace in communities affected by insecurity.
May the souls of Joshua Vendaga Ugbian Kiishi, Samuel Shaapera Orkula Kiishi and Michael Mchiaga Orkula Kiishi rest in perfect peace. Amen.
