Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia
By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has strongly condemned the brutal killings of residents in Tse Orbiam and Ahume communities, Gwer West Local Government Area.
The governor also expressed outrage and deep sorrow over the shooting of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu by herder terrorists on the Makurdi-Naka road.
In a statement, Governor Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, revealed that the governor praised God for sparing Fr. Atongu’s life, who was initially in critical condition but later stabilized.
Governor Alia described the attackers as “barbaric criminals masquerading as herders” and vowed that their actions would not be tolerated.
“These barbaric criminals masquerading as herders, whose actions reveal a blatant disregard for human life and the sanctity of our communities, will not be tolerated,” Governor Alia said.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to the safety and security of Benue State’s people, aligning himself with the traditional institution’s recent directive to evacuate criminal herders and their accomplices from Benue lands.
He called on security agencies to intensify efforts to safeguard communities and apprehend the perpetrators.
“It is imperative that these criminal elements and their accomplices are apprehended and dealt with swiftly and justly in accordance with the laws of our land,” the governor emphasized.
Governor Alia directed security agencies to rescue the kidnapped persons who were with Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu unhurt and urged citizens to remain vigilant, reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.
“As we continue to mourn the loss of our brothers and sisters, let us unite in our resolve to eradicate the scourge of violence and ensure that our communities are safe havens for all,” he added.
