Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has condemned the attack and killing of innocent citizens at Yelewata by suspected criminal herders.
The governor said nothing should warrant the taking of life.
Alia, who was represented by the Deputy Governor of the state, Sam Ode, on a visit to the scene of the heinous act earlier on Sunday, said he was not resting on his laurels to ensure that the state experiences peace.
He says, “Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pains and grief caused by the attacks on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen,” the governor was quoted as saying in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary on Sunday.
READ ALSO: Many Feared Dead In Fresh Suspected Herdsmen Attack On Benue Community
Alia said the state government was consistently engaging with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks.
He, therefore, assured the residents that more tactical teams had started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government and additional security deployments were being arranged for vulnerable areas.
He said response squad teams were also deployed and would be in Benue from Sunday, while strategic community dialogues were ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing.
“The state’s joint operations units are also being strengthened, and the government will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents.
“In the spirit of peace and unity, we call on religious, traditional, and political leaders across the state to sensitise and guide the youths under their influence against unlawful gatherings or confrontations that may spiral out of control,” the governor added.
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He, however, appealed to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources, as the government remained committed to justice, peace, and security for all.
The attack on the community, a Benue border town with Nasarawa State, by suspected herdsmen was feared to have led to the death of many residents on Friday.
The Chairman of Guma Local Government Area in Benue State, Maurice Orwough, confirmed the attack, saying that many had been killed while more than 26 people had been hospitalised.
Speaking to Channels Television after visiting the scenes of the attack on Saturday, the chairman accused armed herdsmen of attacking his people unprovoked, following an early attempt to attack Daudu town before the military halted the attack.
According to Orwough, the armed harders then moved towards Yelwatda at about 11:30 pm to attack Yelwatda, where there were just four soldiers posted, while over 100 attackers opened fire on the people.
While he is unable to confirm the actual casualty figures, the chairman called for increased surveillance in the area to protect his people.
The post Gov Alia Condemns Fresh Attack On Benue Community appeared first on Channels Television.
