Insecurity: Alia orders dislodge of terrorists herdsmen camps in Benue forests

By Peter Duru, Makurdi

Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has ordered security agencies to immediately launch coordinated operations to flush out suspected armed herdsmen camps in forests across the state following renewed deadly attacks on rural communities.

The directive affects forested areas in Apa, Otukpo, Gwer-West Local Government Areas, LGAs, and other identified locations believed to be serving as operational bases for the attackers.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor said the action was in response to recent violent assaults on Edikwu-Ankpali, Ikobi, and Adija in Apa LGA, as well as Upu village in Otukpo LGA, which reportedly claimed several lives.

Describing the attacks as “brutal and unacceptable,” Alia said the situation had taken a dangerous turn and required urgent and decisive intervention.

“The renewed waves of violent attacks on innocent communities are unacceptable and increasingly hydra-headed,” the governor stated.

He noted that the perpetrators had taken advantage of the state’s forested terrain to establish camps and launch attacks, stressing that such hideouts must be dismantled without delay.

“These criminal elements have exploited forested areas as operational bases to launch attacks, and must be flushed out without delay,” he added.

Governor Alia reaffirmed that safeguarding lives and property remains the primary responsibility of his administration, directing security agencies to adopt sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at neutralising the threat.

“The protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of this administration. We will not relent in ensuring that these threats are decisively dealt with,” he said.

He further assured residents that the state government was working closely with federal security agencies to restore peace in the affected communities and beyond.

The Governor called on citizens to remain vigilant and support security efforts by providing credible and timely information.

While expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attacks, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to confronting criminal activities and ensuring lasting peace across Benue state.

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