Gov condemns fresh Benue attack, commends security men

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has expressed deep grief over a brutal attack on the Efeyi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, describing it as the work of suspected armed herders. The governor commended security operatives for their swift response, which led to the neutralization of two of the assailants during a confrontation.

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Our people are peaceful and hardworking. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected, and our land is secured.

The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, reportedly resulted in the deaths of 15 people, with several others sustaining injuries. According to a resident, the attackers stormed the community around 5 a.m., firing sporadically. Security agents' response was delayed, arriving about two hours after the incident began.

Governor Alia stated that his administration remains committed to supporting security agencies to decisively deal with those who perpetrate violence in the state. He emphasized that strangers would not be allowed to displace people from their ancestral homes, asserting his mandate to protect the citizens and secure the land.

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The current situation in Efeyi Ugboju is pathetic. The attack started around 5 a.m. this (Tuesday) morning, and until about 7 a.m., there was no response from security agents.

This incident marks the second major attack in the Otukpo area in recent weeks, following a similar attack on the Otobi community that claimed eight lives approximately three weeks prior. The governor's office issued a statement on Tuesday, with the Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, conveying the governor's condemnation and appreciation for the police's actions.

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The attackers are Fulani herdsmen. They were shooting sporadically when they came into our community. As I am talking to you now, 15 corpses have been recovered, while the search is ongoing because some people are still missing.