More than 17 persons were killed and numerous more injured in a brutal attack in Abande town, Turan district of Kwande Local Government Area, on Tuesday. The governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attack vehemently.
Rumour has it that armed assailants entered the Abande market, opened fire on unsuspecting vendors, destroyed homes and market stalls, and killed many.
Tersoo Kula, the governor’s chief press secretary, issued a statement on Wednesday in which he characterised the event as a serious provocation and said, “the terrorists have dared the state and the Nigerian security system once more and must be attended to in the language they understand best.”
My heart goes out to the calm people of Abande,” he said, expressing his profound compassion for the victims.
An attack on our common humanity and a threat to the safety of Benue State, this terrorist attack killed innocent people (including a brave police officer) and destroyed homes.
Addressing the tragedy, Governor Alia offered his deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and the whole Abande community during this difficult period.
He assured the peace-loving people of Benue that the government would not waver in its duty to defend lives and property, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to their safety.
“I have already directed the relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas, go after the perpetrators with all the energies at their disposal, and restore safety to our communities,” the governor said, revealing that he had already taken decisive action to address the situation.
“We are meticulously strengthening collaboration with federal security authorities and our local intelligence structures to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and that such attacks are decisively prevented,” he stated, further emphasising ongoing efforts to strengthen security coordination.
Along with reassuring the general populace of Turan and Kwande that they are not alone, Governor Alia offered encouraging words to the people of Turan and Kwande. You have my unwavering support and empathy.
In spite of the tragedy, he hoped the people of Benue State would stay together and had faith that the state will be able to overcome this obstacle.