Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has described yesterday morning attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpachi Village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo local government area as deadly and expressed sadness over the incident.
LEADERSHIP earlier reported how suspected armed herdsmen invaded Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities killing several residents as a resident who pleaded anonymity said at least 10 people were killed and many others injured.
Angry youth had yesterday morning took to the streets of Otukpo to protest the carnage, just as protesters stormed Och’Idoma Palace with victims’ corpses.
In a statement issued yesterday by the governor’s chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Alia condemned the incident and described it 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.
Alia said, “The suspected armed herdsmen reportedly invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo local government area, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while the residents were asleep. The attackers killed scores of people, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”
According to the statement, “The governor says he is 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.
“These acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state. Governor Alia shares in the grief and anger of the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District. Your lives are precious, and I can assure you that your ancestral lands will not be surrendered to fear.”
He 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.
”My government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields,” he declared.
The statement said Governor Alia also 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 further directed the security agencies to 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 called on Benue residents to remain vigilant, saying: “We urge every citizen to cooperate with the police and military by providing timely and credible intelligence. Security is a collective responsibility, and your information is a vital tool in our defence.”
While sympathising with the bereaved families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, Governor Alia reassured Benue citizens that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
Governor Alia’s statement did not state the casualty figure.