The Senator representing Cross River North Senatorial District, Jarigbe A. Jarigbe has condemned the murder of an indigene of Benue State in Obudu by irate youths.
The senator described the murder of the young man - Agage Ternenge, a commercial driver who was going about his lawful business in Obudu - as inhuman, gruesome and senseless.
Ternenge was reportedly stoned to death in a revenge killing while delivering a waybill to a customer in Obudu, Cross River State, few days ago.
The reprisal attack followed reports of the killing of two Obudu men over land dispute between two communities in Vandekyia, Benue State, and Obudu in Cross River State.
Reacting to the development in a statement on Wednesday, Jarigbe said, “This senseless act of violence is not only barbaric but also completely unacceptable. The victim was an unarmed civilian going about his lawful business and had no connection to the ongoing communal tensions.
“His murder is a tragic and unjustifiable crime that must be met with the full wrath of the law.”
The senator called on the security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services to immediately apprehend the perpetrators and ensure that they face the full consequences of the law.
To prevent further escalation and protect innocent lives, the senator also urged the authorities to deploy additional security personnel to the affected areas.
He recommended swift engagementwith community leaders to de-escalate tensions and foster dialogue for lasting peace.
“This communal clash must not extend beyond the disputed areas,” he said, noting that the people in Cross River North and Benue State have lived together for generations, intermarrying, trading and co-existing peacefully.
Urging all residents to remain peaceful and lawful, he cautioned that the actions of a few criminals must not be allowed to destroy the longstanding harmony and endanger the people.
“I urge all residents to remain calm and law-abiding while security agencies restore order. Retaliatory attacks will only worsen the situation and must be avoided at all costs.”
“My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the deceased, and I assure the people of Tsar Community and all residents of Cross River North that I will work tirelessly with relevant stakeholders to ensure justice is served and peace is restored.”
