Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue State, has strongly denounced the “senseless” and terrible attack on innocent residents in the Akpete/Asaba community in Ojantele Ward of Apa Local Government Area by armed herdsmen.
Following reports that terrorists attacked a group of unsuspecting farmers in Ojantelle, Asaba, and Akpete as they went to collect cashew seeds, the governor expressed his profound grief.
This was said in a statement made by Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Saturday.
A number of people were killed in the horrific incident, and six more are still missing; a girl was allegedly abducted as well.
An intolerable and tragic reminder of the security threats faced by tranquil farming villages in the state, the occurrence was characterised by the governor as a terrorist act.
What gives you the right to invade and slaughter innocent people who were just doing what they needed to do to make a living? The farmers of my people are deserving of better treatment than this.
I have the deepest contempt for this horrific deed. He made it clear that the slaughter of defenceless people in Benue who were just going about their farming jobs was unacceptable and a violation of their humanity.
His deepest condolences go out to the Apa Local Government, the impacted communities, and the victims’ families on this tragic loss. He wants them to know that the state government is fully behind them at this challenging time.
He assured that every measure is being taken to bring those responsible for the horrific crime to justice, disclosing that he had ordered security forces to step up their operations in the region in order to find the attackers, free the kidnapped girl, and find those who are still missing.
No community in Benue State would be left vulnerable to violence, the Governor added, reiterating his administration’s steadfast dedication to protecting lives and property statewide.
“Keep hoping,” he admonished. To bolster security in high-risk regions, my government is collaborating closely with law enforcement and local authorities.
As he prayed for the dead, the governor promised that “we will not waver until our people are safe and can return to their fields without fear” and begged God to give the relatives of the victims the fortitude to deal with the tragedy.