The governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killing of two innocent indigenes of Kano State at Agan settlement by criminals.

Describing the act as barbaric and unacceptable, the governor declared that the perpetrators must be fished out and brought to justice with immediate effect.

A statement by the governor’s spokesman, Tersoo Kula, said already five suspects have been swiftly apprehended in Makurdi by the police, following the governor’s earlier directives to the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security operatives to ensure that criminals who committed the heinous crime are arrested.

“The governor is deeply saddened by the deaths of two men identified as indigenes of Kano state who were travelling through the state but were brutally attacked and murdered by criminals.

“Benue people are known for their hospitality and peaceful disposition. We cannot allow some criminal elements to tarnish our image and create a contrary image for our people. These criminals MUST be fished out immediately and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the governor said.

Mr Alia extended his heartfelt condolences to his Kano state counterpart, Abba Yusuf, over the loss of two of his indigenes. The two governors spoke closely earlier in the day over the incident.

He appealed for calm and assured the people of Kano State that justice will be served.