From JOHNSON NONGU, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed sadness over the deadly attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders in the early hours of Tuesday.
The governor’s reaction was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, in which he condemned the attack and assured residents that those responsible would be brought to justice.
Alia described the incident as “another senseless assault on innocent and peaceful residents” and expressed sympathy to families who lost loved ones in the attack.
He also commended the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, for the swift deployment of security personnel to the affected community.
According to reports, scores of residents were killed during the attack, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The governor said the police response led to a gun battle with the fleeing attackers, resulting in the neutralisation of two suspected armed bandits believed to have remained behind to provide cover for others escaping the scene.
He pledged his administration’s continued support for security agencies in their efforts to protect lives and property across the state, stressing that criminal elements would be decisively confronted.
“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come and push the people away and take over should think twice,” the governor declared.
Alia reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the lives and ancestral lands of the people, insisting that his administration would continue to deploy every legitimate means to secure the state.
“Our people are hardworking and peaceful. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected and our land is secured,” he said.
The governor also sympathised with families who lost loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of those receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attack.