Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the Federal Government to step up and deal with rising insecurity in the state as the death toll from the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on Ukum and Logo local government areas in the state has risen to 56.

The governor made the call on Saturday when he visited the scenes of attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum and Logo local government areas to ascertain the impact of the attacks.

Addressing journalists after the visit to the affected communities in the two local government areas, Alia condemned the violent attacks on the defenseless people and called for greater action from security agencies to nip these killings in the bud.

The governor used the visit to engage with community leaders and their people whom he assured of a better deal in addressing all forms of insecurity.

He also called for calm and urged the people to resist the will to resort to self-help

Security has also been beefed up in the Sankera axis where these attacks happened to restore confidence, while emergency services and relief items have been extended to the two local government areas.

In neighbouring Plateau State, also in the North Central geopolitical zone, over 100 people have been killed in the last two weeks when bloodthirsty marauders unleashed mayhem on communities in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas of Plateau State.

Muhammad Auwal Jatau, Bauchi deputy governor, has denied reports claiming that he slapped Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, during a high-profile event in the state.

The alleged incident was said to have taken place on Friday inside a white coaster bus conveying dignitaries from Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa international airport to the Bauchi emir’s palace.

The dignitaries were en route to the turbaning of Mohammed Abubakar, a former governor of the state.

According to unverified reports, an argument broke out after the minister allegedly made disparaging comments about Bala Mohammed, Bauchi state governor.

Jatau was said to have slapped the minister in reaction, reportedly in the presence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other prominent figures.

But Muslim Lawal, spokesperson to the deputy governor, described the claim as “false and baseless”.

“No, no, no, how can the deputy governor slap the minister? I don’t think that ever happened in Bauchi because I know my principal is a responsible person,” he said.

“The number two person cannot slap a minister or whoever person that people are talking about. We are not even aware of that. I am just hearing this from you.”

Lawal questioned the credibility of the viral report and called on anyone with evidence to present it.

“Did you see the evidence of the slap? I didn’t see it, I’m just hearing about that from you,” he said.

“But my belief is that there is no way the deputy governor will slap a minister. I don’t think such can ever happen in Bauchi, not even my principal or whoever is in his position.”

He said there was no reasonable provocation for such an act.

“What is even the issue that will make the deputy governor slap a minister?” he asked.

“I was not in the car and if there is any evidence that the deputy governor did such, maybe we can speak on that, but as of now, I don’t even know about it. That’s our position.

“And I don’t even think that the deputy governor, even if it is not in the presence of the vice-president, can do that.”

Siminalayi Fubara, suspended governor of Rivers, has called on residents of the state to rally behind President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

In his Easter message in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday, the governor said the season represents a time for reconciliation and unity.

“Easter is a sacred season of reconciliation and unity. It is a time when the peace of Christ dwells richly in our hearts, restoring relationships, comforting the afflicted, feeding the hungry, and healing the brokenhearted,” Fubara said.

Fubara also reiterated his commitment to delivering good governance to the people of Rivers state.

“I reiterate my unwavering commitment to delivering good governance to the resilient and dignified people of Rivers state,” he said.

“Therefore, I call on the good people of Rivers state to continue to support and align with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while looking forward to a better tomorrow.”

Fubara added that the transformation desired by all is achievable when people act together as one, committed to peace, unity, and progress.

“Let us not lose sight of our collective strength. The transformation we all desire is achievable when we act together as one people under God, committed to peace, unity, and progress,” the governor said.