The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has condemned the killing of 12 people in communities within Kwande Local Government Area, describing the attack as barbaric and unacceptable.
The governor’s reaction followed a deadly attack on Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities located in the Yaav and Mbadura council wards of Kwande, where several residents were also injured.
In a statement released on Friday by his Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended his condolences to families who lost loved ones.
Alia said the killings were “barbaric, senseless and unacceptable,” stressing that the loss of human life under any circumstance was deeply troubling.
“Every life matters, and the loss of even one life is too many,” the governor said, assuring residents that his administration would ensure those responsible for the attack are brought to justice.
He directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and prevent further attacks in the affected communities and surrounding areas.
The governor acknowledged growing concerns among residents of Kwande over persistent insecurity and reiterated his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
Alia also noted that more than 400 security personnel had recently been deployed to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande to strengthen security presence, but admitted that the latest attack showed that more efforts were required to fully restore peace.
He said he understood the pain and frustration of the people of the area and promised that the government would continue working with security agencies to end the violence.
The governor further appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives as authorities intensify operations to restore stability in the troubled communities.
While acknowledging that the security challenges facing the area are complex, Alia said they are not insurmountable and vowed that his administration would continue working until lasting peace is achieved across Benue State, particularly in Kwande.