Benue Governor Warns Against Self-Help Amid Ongoing Fulani Herdsmen Attacks

Makurdi, Benue State – In the wake of fresh violent attacks allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly cautioned local communities against resorting to self-help or vigilante justice.

Speaking to journalists after the Good Friday Mass held at the Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi, Governor Alia confirmed the tragic loss of five lives in Ukum Local Government Area. He also addressed another deadly incident in the Sankera axis, where police authorities have reported that 17 people were killed during coordinated attacks.

Strategic Response Underway

Governor Alia reassured the public that the Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is actively working on a comprehensive and strategic security response to curb the ongoing violence across the region.

“We’re developing a security plan to permanently end these tragic incidents. The people must not take the law into their own hands. We must maintain order and work with the government to restore peace,” – Governor Alia stated.

As a former Catholic priest, Governor Alia condemned the brutal killings and emphasized the importance of community vigilance. He also encouraged citizens to provide timely intelligence to law enforcement agencies, citing the Ukum response as a positive example where quick action helped reduce further casualties.

Police Confirm Multiple Fatalities

In an official statement, Sewuese Anene, the Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Police Command, disclosed that suspected militia groups invaded the Sankera region, engaging security forces in Gbagir, where five people were killed.

She further revealed that during the ongoing operation in Gbagir, another faction of the attackers launched a simultaneous assault on Logo Local Government Area, claiming 12 additional lives. This brings the total number of confirmed deaths to 17.

Learn more about Nigeria’s complex herdsmen-farmer conflicts from this BBC article.

Call for National Support and Vigilance

Governor Alia’s statement is part of broader efforts to prevent communal retaliation, maintain civil order, and seek long-term federal support. His remarks highlight a critical national issue—the recurring clashes between farmers and herders that have plagued Nigeria’s Middle Belt region for years.

For related news on regional security issues, visit our internal article on Nigeria’s National Security Measures in 2025

The Benue State Government’s stern stance against self-help underscores the importance of lawful cooperation, intelligence sharing, and national collaboration in resolving these recurring attacks. Residents are urged to remain vigilant, trust in the process, and work hand-in-hand with authorities to ensure the safety of all communities.