Hyacinth Alia, the governor of Benue State, has denounced the killing of at least 12 people in Kwande Local Government Area, describing the attack as “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable.”
The governor spoke out following the incident which occurred in the Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities located in the Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande.
The development came amid rising tension in the state after gunmen also killed Udeh Ijachi, a former caretaker chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, in a separate attack.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and sympathised with families of the victims.
“The attack is barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable,” Mr Alia said.
He revealed that 12 persons were killed in the assault while several others suffered injuries. According to him, security agencies have been directed to intensify operations to apprehend those responsible and prevent further violence.
“Every life matters, and the loss of even one life is too many,” the governor said while assuring residents that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Alia also noted that although over 400 security personnel were recently deployed to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande, the latest attack indicates that more efforts are required to strengthen security in the area.
He called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies working to restore peace.
“The complexities of insecurity are challenging but not insurmountable. We will not rest until peace is achieved in Kwande and across Benue State,” he said.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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