Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has expressed that the presence and backing of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a period of distress has offered the people of Benue a renewed sense of hope and resilience. Governor Alia made this known in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, on Thursday in Makurdi. He lauded the President’s directive to apprehend armed herdsmen responsible for violent attacks in Benue and across Nigeria. He thanked President Tinubu for his promise to collaborate with the state’s leadership in establishing enduring peace and security within the region. “We’re sincerely grateful for your resolve in tackling security issues, especially your command to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police,” Alia noted. “Your decisive move to curb the threat of armed herders strengthens our confidence that the safety of our people and the return of displaced farmers to their land are priorities under your administration.” The governor extended heartfelt gratitude to Tinubu for personally visiting the state after the tragic incident at Yelwata town. He also acknowledged the unwavering support from fellow governors, particularly members of the Progressive Governors’ Forum led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, for standing by the state during its darkest hour. “Your joint actions reflect a shared resolve against violence and a strong dedication to the well-being of communities nationwide,” Alia added. Governor Alia affirmed that the people of Benue find comfort in the empathy and leadership demonstrated by the President, his colleagues, and other concerned Nigerians. He reassured citizens that his administration will actively collaborate with critical stakeholders to rebuild communities and restore peace across the state.
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. BUY ANYTHING ON KONGA BUY NOW READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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Lawmaker Calls for Urgent Intervention Over Rising Insecurity in Otukpo Blessing Onuh, the representative of Otukpo-Ohimini Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to address the worsening security crisis in Otukpo, Benue State. A State of Emergency in Otukpo Onuh described the ongoing violence, including frequent attacks and killings, as a national emergency that demands immediate intervention. She expressed deep concern over the rising number of violent incidents in her constituency, pointing to the brutal murder of retired customs officer Onche Akatu in Asa 2 community. During the same attack, two of Akatu’s family members were kidnapped, adding to the growing insecurity in the region. Series of Tragic Killings The lawmaker also condemned the murder of Mrs. Felicia Ochigbo, a nursing mother, in the Old NTA Area of Asa, and an Igbo man in the community. These killings come just weeks after suspected herdsmen allegedly killed five men in Okpomoju Community, Okete Ward, Otukpo Local Government Area, causing widespread fear among residents. Lack of Action by Security Agencies Onuh expressed frustration over what she sees as the failure of security agencies to take concrete action. She criticized the repeated assurances from local and state officials who claim to be “on top of the matter” but fail to produce meaningful results. She questioned why the perpetrators remain at large and why the government has not restored peace, leaving residents to live in fear. Impact on Farmers and Food Security The persistent violence has forced many farmers to flee their farmlands, worsening food shortages in the region. This situation threatens economic stability, as agriculture is a major source of livelihood in Otukpo and surrounding areas. A Call for Presidential Action In her appeal to President Tinubu, Onuh urged the federal government to take decisive steps to strengthen security measures in Otukpo. She called for a heightened presence of security forces to ensure that criminals are apprehended and brought to justice. She also advised community members, particularly the youth, to avoid taking the law into their own hands through jungle justice or reprisal attacks, emphasizing that such actions would only worsen the crisis. Commitment to Lasting Peace Reassuring her constituents, Onuh affirmed her commitment to working closely with political leaders and security agencies to put an end to these heinous acts. She stressed that residents of Otukpo and its environs deserve to live in peace and security. Read more on Nigeria’s security challenges and the government’s response. Learn more about the impact of insecurity on food production in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Benue State Police Command has reported a devastating boat accident on the River Benue in the Agatu Local Government Area (LGA), leaving 20 people dead and 11 others rescued. The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday night when a wooden canoe, overloaded with traders returning to Nasarawa State after a market day at Ocholonya in Agatu LGA, collided with a submerged tree in the river. Eyewitnesses revealed that the passengers, eager to return home after trading, ignored warnings about the boat’s unsafe condition. The mishap occurred around 8 p.m., further emphasizing the risks associated with late-night travel on overcrowded watercraft. Superintendent Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the recovery of 20 bodies and revealed that search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing. So far, 11 survivors have been rescued alive, and authorities are working to prevent similar incidents in the future. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
