Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom of Benue State has warned traditional rulers against shielding criminals in their domain.

The governor also ordered the people of Ado local government area of the state to within seven days produce those who ambushed and beheaded four persons of Ebonyi indigene.

While speaking in Makurdi, the governor warned that any traditional ruler in Benue State found to be shielding criminals causing a crisis in his domain will be sanctioned, the State Government has said.

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The governor charged the traditional rulers to sensitize their subject to support security operatives with timely and useful information about criminals hiding in their communities.

He lamented the loss of lives and destruction of property as a result of avoidable conflicts in some communities in the state and at the border between Benue and Taraba States.

The Governor gave the people of Ado local government area bordering Ebonyi State seven days to produce those who allegedly ambushed and beheaded four persons from Ebonyi, for prosecution.

He particularly directed the District Head of Agila Chiefdom in Ado Local Government Area to ensure that the police get the needed intelligence to apprehend the suspects.

Delegations from Benue and Ebonyi States recently met in Abakaliki and set up a committee to find ways of ending hostilities between the border communities.

According to reports, it was on the basis of the resolutions made at the first meeting that the delegation from Ebonyi State was allegedly ambushed on its way to Benue State for a second meeting.(Tribune)