Worried by the attacks and killings by herdsmen in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed security agencies to immediately commence coordinated operations to dislodge armed herder terrorist camps identified in forests around Apa, Otukpo, Gwer-West and other parts of the State.
Reacting to the recent brutal attacks on Edikwu-Ankpali, Ikobi, and Adija in Apa LGA, as well as Upu village in Otukpo LGA which left many dead, the governor said it was high time for herders to be dislodged in the Benue forests.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula said the decisive directive was necessitated by the renewed waves of violent attacks on innocent communities, which he described as unacceptable and increasingly hydra-headed.
These criminal elements the governor informed have exploited forested areas as operational bases to launch attacks, and must be flushed out without delay.
He reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of his administration which necessitated a sustained, intelligence-driven security crackdown aimed at neutralizing all threats and restoring confidence among citizens, particularly in the affected local government areas.
The governor assured residents that the state government was working in close synergy with federal security agencies and would not relent until lasting peace is achieved.
As the Governor called on the people to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and continue to provide credible information that would aid ongoing operations he also commiserated with families who have lost loved ones in the recent attacks and reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront criminality head-on to ensure that Benue State is safe for all.