Alia Condemns Bloody Attack as Gunmen Kill Nine

George Okoh In Makurdi

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, yesterday, condemned the unprovoked killing of nine people in the state following attacks on several communities.

The governor, however, assured the Benue people that he would not rest until an end was brought to the killings in the state.

His reaction was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, which read: “Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has utterly condemned the unprovoked attacks on Ayilamo and Mbachohon communities in Logo and Gwer-West Local Government Areas by suspected armed herders.

“Governor Alia frowns on the nefarious activities of the herders, who maim and kill innocent Benue citizens in cold blood for reasons which are difficult to grasp and pin down.

“Benue is an agrarian society, whose economy is largely based on producing and maintaining crops and farmlands, and we cannot watch our people killed daily on their farmlands and their villages for a cause very unknown to us.”

The governor, who lamented cases of alleged herdsmen attacks on Benue communities leading to loss of lives and property, said he would not rest until such barbaric acts were curtailed.

While sympathising with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the attacks, Alia called on security agencies in the state to quickly delve into the depths of the unfortunate situations and apprehend those suspected to be behind such attacks and bring them before the law.

He  called on traditional rulers and youths in the state to be vigilant and report any suspicious move to the security.”

Suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed nine persons in a separate attack on Ayilamo and Mbachohon communities in Logo and Gwer West Local Government Areas, LGAs of Benue State respectively.

It was gathered that the marauders, who stormed the communities Tuesday night around 10pm also left many with serious injuries.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “The well-armed herdsmen came at about 10pm on Tuesday night. They attacked and killed two persons at the Mobile barracks, situated at Mahanga, near Ayilamo. From there, they headed to Ayilamo town and on entering the town, they shot and killed another three persons on the spot.

“Many others sustained various degrees of injury and were taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment. Some of the cases were so serious that today (Wednesday) they were referred to the Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi.”

Meanwhile, the attack on Nagi Camp Mbachohon Council Ward of Gwer West LGA which occurred at about the same time led to the disappearance of about four persons while some others sustained injuries.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent, SP, said she was yet to receive details of the incidents.