Gov Alia To Armed Herders: You Can’t Take Over Benue Land

Benue State governor, Rev. Father Hyacinth Alia, has expressed grief over the attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju by suspected armed herders in the early hours of yesterday.

The governor told the criminals that Benue land belongs to its peopl and vowed that they would not take it by force.

Alia said the hoodlums must pay for their crime against the peaceful people of the state.

The governor, however, commended the Benue State Police Command, under commissioner of police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, for the quick response, which led to the neutralisation of two bandits in the area suspected to have taken part in the attack.

The governor’s chief press secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, in a statement, confirmed that scores of persons were murdered, with many others sustaining various degrees of injury, “as suspected armed herdsmen launched yet another attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo local government area of the state”

He explained that following reports of the incident, men of the police command were deployed to trace the bandits.

According to him, the fire exchange occurred as the police closed in on the bandits, and two of them who were apparently meant to provide cover for the others to escape got neutralised.

The governor said his administration will continue to support the security agencies to ensure those who attack the state are spoken to in the language they understand.

“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come and push people away and take over should think twice.

“Our people are peaceful, hardworking and peaceful. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legally possible to ensure my people are protected, and our land is secured, the statement said.

Earlier, suspected armed herders on a rampage have launched an attack on Efeyi village in Otukpo local government area, and several residents are feared dead.

A source in the area told our correspondent that over ten people were killed, while many were injured, as the search for missing residents intensified, with the help of the youth of the area.

Another source narrated that the assailants stormed the community on Tuesday morning when farmers were preparing for their farming activities.

According to the source, “The attackers invaded the community on Tuesday morning and were shooting anyone at sight. At least over ten people were killed, and many are missing”

When contacted by telephone about the attack, the chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Ogiri Maxwell, did not pick up his calls or respond to text messages.

Confirming the attack, Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, in a brief response, said officers have been deployed to the scene.

Though the police did not give casualty figures.

DSP Udeme said, “The police are aware of an attack that occurred in a community during the early hours of today. Police Officers have been deployed to the scene. They are taking necessary steps to restore calm and commence a thorough investigation into the incident”

“The situation is being closely monitored; further details will be made available as the investigation progresses and facts are established”, the police said