Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed profound sadness and the strongest condemnation following the early morning attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpachi Village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
He described 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 reportedly invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep. The attackers killed scores of people, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The Governor said he was particularly pained that the attacks occurred at a time when the state government had been working closely with traditional rulers and security agencies to foster lasting peace and harmony.
He stated that “these acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state.”
Governor Alia 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.”
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.
Governor Alia also directed 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 all Benue citizens that his administration remained unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
