Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly denounced the violent strikes against the Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. He labeled the incident, which targeted unsuspecting residents in the early hours of Sunday, as a vicious attack on human life that undermines the stability of the region.
The assault, attributed to suspected armed herdsmen, occurred between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., resulting in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary, released a statement on behalf of the governor, characterizing the event as an intolerable security failure and a cruel act against the local population.
Despite the administration’s active peace-building initiatives involving traditional leaders and security services, the governor emphasized that these violent acts function as a deliberate effort to derail state progress. Alia voiced his support for the affected families in the Benue South Senatorial District, declaring that the government remains committed to protecting its citizens from such intimidation.
To address the situation, Governor Alia ordered security forces to increase their presence and improve coordination with neighboring states. He demanded an immediate search for the attackers and called for the deployment of additional resources to vulnerable zones. Furthermore, he encouraged the public to assist law enforcement by sharing relevant intelligence, stressing that collective vigilance is essential for maintaining safety. The governor concluded by offering his sympathies to the victims’ families and promising that the state will persist in its duty to safeguard residents.
