Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has condemned, in the strongest terms, the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelwata by suspected criminal herders, stating that nothing should warrant the taking of lives.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, said the Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Sam Ode, who visited the scene of the heinous act on the directives of the Governor, delivered the message, stating that the Governor is not resting on his oars to ensure the state experiences peace.

He said, “Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pains and grief caused by these attacks on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen.

“The State Government is 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.

“We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas.

“Response squad teams are also deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday; strategic community dialogues are 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, the governor called 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.

He also appealed to the public to make use of official communication channels to report any suspicious activities and to stay informed through credible sources.

He said Benue State remains committed to justice, peace, and security for all.

THE SUN