Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has ordered the immediate deployment of joint security forces to Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas following brutal attacks that claimed the lives of 23 residents.
In a statement on Monday night, Governor Alia confirmed that 12 people were killed in Apa and 11 in Gwer West in what he described as “brutal and unprovoked attacks.”;
He described the killings as unacceptable and vowed not to allow Benue communities to be turned into killing fields.
The governor disclosed that the directive followed an emergency security council meeting at the Government House in Makurdi.
He said the security forces have been instructed to “stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.”;
Governor Alia expressed solidarity with the grieving families and displaced persons, assuring them that the government was mobilising all available resources to protect lives and ensure that those behind the attacks are brought to justice.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their operations, promising that more updates would follow as the situation develops on the ground.
He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.
“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.
“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.
“This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
“More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground. I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty.”;
