By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has vowed that suspected herders who have been unleashing an orgy of violent attacks and wanton destructions on his people, as well as killing them in droves will not go scot-free.
The Governor lauded the State Police Command for their swift response that led to the neutralization of two terrorists who masterminded the lastest attacks on parts of Otukpo communities.
The Governor’s reaction is coming against the backdrop of Tuesday’s attack and killings in Efeyi-Ugboju and Ipom-Ugboju in Otukpo Local Government Areas of the State by suspected banditry elements. The attacks led to the death of no fewer than 15 people.
According to eyewitness accounts, while 14 persons were killed in Efeyi-Ugboju in the early hours of Tuesday, one was killed in Ipom-Ugboju earlier on Monday by the attackers.
Confirming the attack earlier on, Hon Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Council described it as barbaric and unprovoked, accusing the attackers of only being out to shed blood of innocent residents and citizens.
“There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and kill our people. 14 dead bodies have been recovered, while many others were wounded.
“The people are now living in fear and there is great apprehension. Residents of neighbouring communities are already fleeing for safety”, Ogiri lamented.
In a statement from Tersoo Kula, his spokesperson, Governor Alia pointedly warned suspected herders behind the dastardly killing of unsuspecting citizens that they must pay for their criminal activities.
He, also, vowed that nobody will ever take the land of Benue people away from them.
“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come and push people away and take over should think twice.
“Our people are peaceful and hardworking. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legally possible to ensure my people are protected, and our land is secured”, Gov Alia asserted.
The Governor expressed grief and concern over the attacks on Efeyi-Ugboju and Ipom-Ugboju by suspected armed herdsmen on Tuesday, describing the killings of several persons as unfortunate, condemnable and unacceptable.
According to the statement, “scores of persons were murdered , with many others sustaining varying degrees of injuries ,as suspected armed herdsmen launched yet another attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of the state”
The Governor, however, expressed satisfaction with the swift intervention of the police,which resulted in the killing of two of the attackers.
Governor Alia reaffirmed his unflinching commitment towards adequately supporting security agencies in their efforts in ensuring peace and stability of the state.
The twin Benue State Councils of Ohinimini and Otukpo have been under siege since the gruesome killing of the Chairman of the State’s chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, Ardo Risku Mohammad and his associate, Yakubu Isah Mairiga on June 26, 2026.
Although the authorities and the Fulani community in the state have continued to deny it, there are strong indications that the killing of the Miyetti Allah leader in Okukwu/Okudu community in Otukpo Local Government Area while returning from a peace and security meeting held in Ohinimini Local Council is at the root of the renewed wave of sectarian attacks and reprisal attackers across the two Councils and other parts of the State of late.
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