Governor Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the deadly attacks on Akpachi Village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, directing security agencies to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the early morning assault by suspected armed herdsmen as a barbaric and inhuman attack on innocent residents, saying it was a grave violation of the sanctity of human life.
The attackers reportedly stormed Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep, killing scores of people and leaving many others with varying degrees of injuries.
Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Alia said he was particularly saddened that the attacks occurred despite ongoing efforts by the state government, traditional rulers and security agencies to promote lasting peace across Benue.
“These acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state,” the governor said.
He sympathised with the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District, assuring them that his administration would not allow criminal elements to drive communities from their ancestral lands.
“Your lives are precious, and I can assure you that your ancestral lands will not be surrendered to fear,” he said.
Alia stressed that although the people of Benue had consistently demonstrated restraint and a commitment to peace, such restraint should 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 governor directed all security agencies operating in the state to work closely with their counterparts in neighbouring states, intensify surveillance and patrols in affected communities and border areas, and launch coordinated operations to apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
He also ordered the deployment of additional personnel and resources to vulnerable communities to prevent further violence.
Calling on residents to remain vigilant, Alia urged them to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and your information is a vital tool in our defence,” he said.
While sympathising with families who lost loved ones and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
