By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
Worried by the attacks and killings by armed herdsmen in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has directed security agencies to immediately commence coordinated operations to dislodge herder terrorist camps identified in forests around Apa, Otukpo, Gwer-West and other parts of the Middle Belt State.
Reacting to the recent brutal attacks on Edikwu-Ankpali, Ikobi, and Adija in Apa Local Government Area (LGA), as well as Upu village in Otukpo LGA, which left many dead, the Governor said it was high time herders were dislodged from Benue forests.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, said the 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’s spokesman stated, have exploited forested areas as operational bases to launch attacks, and must be flushed out without delay.
According to the statement, Gov. Alia 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 LGAs.
The Governor, the statement continued, 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, again, also commiserated with families who 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.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Gov. Alia.
