Many residents are feared dead following an early morning attack by suspected Fulani armed herdsmen on Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attackers reportedly invaded the community between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Sunday while residents were asleep, killing several people and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.
The incident also affected the Otukpo-Nobi community, throwing residents into panic and mourning as security agencies moved to restore calm in the area.
Reacting to the development, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a barbaric and inhuman assault on the lives and peace of the people of the state.
The governor said the attack was a setback to ongoing efforts by the state government, traditional rulers and security agencies to promote peace and security across Benue communities.
Alia expressed sympathy with the victims’ families and the people of Benue South Senatorial District, assuring them that his administration would not allow communities to be turned into “killing fields.”
He warned that the restraint shown by Benue residents in the face of repeated attacks should not be mistaken for weakness, stressing that the government would take decisive action against those behind the violence.
The governor directed security agencies operating in the state to intensify surveillance and patrols in the affected communities and border areas, while working with their counterparts in neighbouring states to track down the attackers.
He further ordered the arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators, as well as the deployment of additional security personnel to vulnerable areas to prevent further attacks.
Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in protecting communities.
He also sympathised with the injured and prayed for the repose of those killed, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Benue State.