Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed profound sadness and strongly condemned the attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpachi Village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
The herdsmen allegedly attacked the community when the residents least expected them as they were deeply asleep.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula quoted the Governor as describing the “attacks as not only a breach of peace, but also a barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of the people of Benue State.”
The suspected armed herdsmen, according to the statement invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. and killed scores of people, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The spokesman of the Governor infomercial that Governor Alia was particularly pained that the attacks occurred at a time when the state government has been working closely with traditional rulers and security agencies to foster lasting peace and harmony.
Kula noted that “these acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state.”
Governor Alia, the statement continued shared in the grief and anger of the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District, saying “your lives are precious, and I can assure you that your ancestral lands will not be surrendered to fear.”
The governor warned that while the people of Benue have consistently demonstrated remarkable restraint and a commitment to peace, such restraint must never be mistaken for weakness.
While expressing his commitment to protect his people, the Governor noted that “my government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields” as the Governor issued a clear and immediate directive to all security agencies operating in the state to liaise with their counterparts in neighbouring states and once again “swing into action” with renewed vigour by intensifying surveillance and patrols across the affected communities and border areas.
He directed further that the security agencies should”relentlessly pursue the perpetrators, ensure their arrest and prosecution, and deploy additional personnel and resources to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
The Governor through the spokesman called on Benue residents to remain vigilant and urged all citizens to cooperate with the police and military by providing timely and credible intelligence to ensure the arrest of the criminals .
He sympathised with the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, Governor Alia reassured all Benue citizens that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
