Benue Governor Alia has denounced the killing of Yelewata residents, assuring increased federal deployments and intelligence coordination.
The Governor’s reaction was conveyed on Sunday by Deputy Governor Barrister Sam Ode, who visited the scene of the attack on the Governor’s instruction. He assured the grieving community of the state government’s solidarity and its unwavering commitment to securing lives and property.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pains and grief caused by this attack on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen,” Ode said. “Nothing should warrant the taking of life.”
The state government has reaffirmed that it is intensifying collaboration with federal security agencies, traditional rulers, and local stakeholders to devise sustainable responses to the wave of violence affecting communities in the state.
According to the Deputy Governor, tactical teams from the Federal Government have already begun arriving in Benue, with additional deployments being arranged to cover vulnerable areas. Response Squad Teams are also set to operate from Sunday, while strategic community dialogues are underway to improve intelligence gathering and proactive intervention.
The state’s joint security operations are being further fortified to prevent future attacks. The government also called on religious, traditional, and political leaders to play active roles in guiding youths and discouraging unlawful gatherings that could escalate tensions.
“We appeal to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources,” Ode added.
Governor Alia’s administration reaffirmed its commitment to justice, peace, and security for all Benue citizens, as the state mourns yet another tragic loss of innocent lives.
