Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has stated that he did not refer to the entire Masev lineage of the state as cattle rustlers following the killings in the Wa-ndoo community by armed herders.

Recall that President-General of Masev Development Association, Prof Vitalis Tarhule, had issued a statement on Sunday, “Disappointment and anguished echoes from the hearts of Masev people”, regretting allegations of cattle rustling against Masev people by Alia.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula Mallam, defended his boss in a press statement on Monday, while reacting to a press statement by Masev Development Association.