Interior minister urges Arase to arrest, prosecute killers

Dambazau made the call on Monday, March 14, 2016, via a statement released by his Press Secretary, Osaigbovo Ehisienmen.

“The perpetrators of this dastardly act are unwittingly testing the will and capabilities of government securities,’’ he said.

Dambazau also expressed his condolence to the government and people of Benue State over the incident.

About 500 people have lost their lives in Agatu following a series of attacks by Fulani herdsmen.

The casualty figure was given by Benue State Senator, David Mark after an assessment visit.

“I’m shocked beyond words at the extent of destruction I have seen here in Agatu today. This is unbelievable. It is unimaginable. Nothing whatsoever justifies this brazen act of destruction meted out on the people of Agatu. My heart bleeds,” Mark said.

“The villages are totally bereft of any social or economic activities. All the primary and post primary schools, health centres, worship centres as well as the police station in the area have been burnt down.

“What is left of a hitherto boisterous Agatu communities of Aila, Akwu, Adagbo, Okokolo, Ugboju, Odugbeho, Ogbaulu, Egba and Obagaji are the debris of the wreckage,” he added.

Meanwhile, Arase has been criticized for saying that the widely reported casualty figures were exaggerated.