Leadnaija
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the killing of 23 residents in separate, brutal attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas of the state.
Governor Alia, in a statement on Monday, described the attacks as “unacceptable” and vowed to take swift and decisive action to stop the carnage and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives — 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West — due to brutal and unprovoked attacks. These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields,” he stated.
Following an emergency security council meeting at Government House, Makurdi, the governor announced that he had ordered joint security forces to move into the affected areas and surrounding communities immediately.
“Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace,” Alia declared.
He reassured residents that his administration is mobilising every available resource to protect lives and secure the affected communities, emphasising that no one behind the attacks would go unpunished.
“This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are committed to ensuring justice is served,” he added.
Governor Alia also urged citizens to remain vigilant and to cooperate fully with security operatives working to stabilize the region.
