Tsav, former Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, in a letter to the IGP, recalled seven high profile assassinations in the last two years, and particularly regretted that none had been resolved.
“Insecurity is on the rise in Benue; people are being killed, but none of the cases has been investigated and the killers brought to book. We want you to act quickly to check these killings,” he stated.
The six-page letter was copied to the Chief of Staff to the president, Mr Abba Kyari, and the National Security Adviser, General Mohammed Babagana Monguno.
In the letter, Tsav listed victims of the assassinations to include elder statesman and politician, Mr Atoza Hindan, who was killed in Katsina-Ala; Dr Tondo, from University of Mkar, and Mr Denen Iggana, Senior Special Assistant (Security) to Governor Samuel Ortom.
Also killed, Tsav noted, were Dr. Tavershima Adyorough, Principal Special Assistant to the governor on knowledge, economy and Investment, and two traditional rulers in Katsina-Ala.
“Benue people are worried about the killings, but they are afraid to say anything; they are afraid of being targeted for murder.
“Out of fear, even the Tiv Traditional Council has said nothing about the murder of the two chiefs. Everyone is quiet and in fear.
“Journalists are also in fear. Some of them have been assaulted, arrested and detained for writing the truth. The police must move in to restore public confidence so that people can enjoy the fruits of democracy,” he said.
Tsav, however, commended the police commissioner in Benue State, Mr Bashir Makama, over his honesty and commitment to duty, but alleged that he was not getting the support required from the state government.
Reacting, Colonel Edwim Jando, Special Adviser to Benue State governor on Security chided Tsav as over his actions.
“Tsav writes just anything he wants and all he says is not true.
“I don’t want to discuss Tsav; the entire security operatives in the state are under my supervision. I coordinate them and will not want anybody to spoil my name,” he said.
Also reacting to Tsav’s letter, the state police command said that it was doing everything possible to halt the assassinations and also track down those involved.
“There have, indeed, been several killings in the past, but we have arrested and arraigned a serving commissioner, an adviser to the governor, local government chairman and several politicians in connection with them.
“It is not right for anyone to say that we are not investigating the killings. We cannot sweep such high profile incidences under the carpet,” Mr Moses Yamu, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Makurdi.
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