Makurdi — A group under the aegis of Ushongo Elders Forum in Benue state, has urged the Benue State Police Command to investigate and bring to book masterminds of the recent arson attack on the Minority Whip of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, by yet- to- be identified arsonists.

The forum which described the midnight attack on the lawmaker as "barbaric, unacceptable and highly condemnable" made the call during a visit on the Minority whip's Makurdi's residence.

Spokespersons for the forum, Mr. Isaac Mtu, Haagher Chubu and Iortim Kpam separately said, "this development portends danger and does not tell good of our democracy and the safety and protection of the people".

"In order to put an end to this type of barbaric attack on Benue indigenes , we urged security agencies in the state to thoroughly investigate the matter, fish out and prosecute masterminds of the attack on the lawmaker, to serve as deterrent to others.

"On our part, we will however, return home and meet with the Ter Ushongo (paramount ruler) and possibly summon all Ushongo sons in government so as to give them the opportunity to clear themselves of complicity in the matter".

It would be recalled that Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange and his family members escaped death narrowly when unknown arsonist besieged his house midnight and set two of his cars ablaze.