The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the North Central Development Commission (NCDC), Dr. Cyril Yiltsen Tsenyil, has said that recurring violence continues to undermine the socio-economic development of the North-Central region, as he condoled with the government and people of Benue State over the recent attacks on Otukpo-Nobi and Akpachi-Ugboju communities in Otukpo Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Tsenyil expressed profound grief over the killings, describing the attacks as senseless and unacceptable.
He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones, the injured, the affected communities, as well as the Benue State Government over what he described as a painful tragedy.
The NCDC boss said the Commission shares in the grief of the people of Benue and stands in solidarity with them during the difficult period.
“Peace and security remain indispensable to sustainable development. Recurring acts of violence undermine efforts to improve the livelihoods of the people and accelerate the socio-economic transformation of the North-Central region,” Tsenyil said.
He stressed that no meaningful development can thrive in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, urging all stakeholders to work together towards restoring peace in the state.
Tsenyil called on relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the attacks and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.
“We call on the relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of these attacks and ensure they are brought to justice without delay,” he stated.
He also urged the appropriate authorities to take proactive measures to restore peace, strengthen security, and guarantee the protection of lives and property in the affected communities.
According to him, the Commission remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote peace, stability and sustainable development across the North-Central region.
“The NCDC stands in solidarity with the Government of Benue State and the affected communities during this difficult period,” he added.
Tsenyil prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, speedy recovery for the injured, and lasting peace across Benue State and the entire North-Central region.
