Benue killings: Alia assures residents of safety, orders free treatment for victims

Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has reassured residents of the state’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and protecting ancestral lands from criminal attacks, declaring that his administration will not relent until peace is fully restored across affected communities.

Governor Alia gave the assurance on Monday during a condolence visit to Otukpo, following recent attacks by suspected armed herders on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, which claimed lives, left several others injured, and forced many residents to flee their homes.

Speaking during the visit, the governor sympathized with the affected families and communities, assuring them that the state government remains resolute in tackling insecurity and restoring normalcy.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities capable of threatening the peace of their communities.

According to the governor, community intelligence and collaboration with security operatives remain critical in preventing attacks and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

Governor Alia stressed that his administration has invested significantly in strengthening security operations across Benue State by providing logistics, motivation, and other forms of support to security agencies to enhance their operational effectiveness.

He maintained that the government would continue to complement the efforts of security forces until those responsible for the attacks are completely driven out of the state.

“I have done so much in providing the needed logistics, motivation and complementing the strength of the security forces. We will not rest until terrorists are flushed out of Benue State,” the governor declared.

During the visit, Governor Alia also visited the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where victims receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the attacks are being cared for.

He directed that all affected victims receive comprehensive medical treatment at the expense of the Benue State Government, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting survivors and their families.

The governor later paid a visit to the palace of the Ochi’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, where he expressed condolences to the paramount ruler and the Idoma people over the tragic incident.

Addressing the traditional ruler, Governor Alia reiterated that protecting the lives and property of every Benue citizen remains a sacred responsibility of his administration.

“It is my obligation to protect all lives in the state, and I assure you that we shall never rest on our oars until peace fully returns to our communities,” the governor said.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, also stated in Makurdi on Tuesday that Governor Alia remains deeply concerned over the recurring bloodshed that continues to threaten peace and security across Benue State.

He emphasized that the governor is committed to working with security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities to end the attacks and restore lasting peace throughout the state.

The governor’s visit comes amid renewed calls by residents and community leaders for stronger security measures to halt persistent attacks on rural communities and ensure the protection of lives, livelihoods, and farmlands across Benue State.