After series of attacks, Alia orders crackdown on herder terrorists in Benue

After a series of deadly attacks, including Easter’s eve massacre in Mbalom Council Ward and another attacks in Apa and Kwande Local Government Areas of Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered a complete crackdown on herder terrorists that have been wrecking havoc on the residents and visitors in the State.

The crackdown order came after bith the Federal and State Governments had received serious condemnation from the people, various groups and civil society organisations on incessant killings of innocent Nigerians in Benue State and its environs..

Taking a definite decision on security measures meant to stop attacks and killings, Governor Alia directed Security Agencies to commence coordinated operations to dislodge armed bandits and herder terrorists’ camps in forests around Apa, Otukpo, Gwer-West, and other parts of the State

The governor, reacting to the brutal attacks on Edikwu-Ankpali, Ikobi, and Adija in Apa Local Government Areas as well as Upu Village in Otukpo Local Government Area which resulted in killings of innocent citizens, noted that the attacks and massacre of innocent citizens could not be tolerated and condoned anymore by the State Government.

A statement by Tersoo Kula the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor said, the decisive directive was necessitated by the renewed waves of violent attacks on innocent communities, which he described as unacceptable and increasingly hydra-headed.

He noted that the criminal elements had exploited forest areas as operational bases to launch attacks, and must be flushed out without delay.

Governor Alia reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of his Administration.

Kula, quoted the governor as mandating a sustained, intelligence-driven security crackdown aimed at neutralizing all threats and restoring confidence among citizens, particularly in the affected local government areas.

The governor also assured residents that the State Government is working in close synergy with federal security agencies and will not relent until lasting peace is achieved.

“I urged you to remain vigilant, cooperate with security operatives, and continue to provide credible information that will aid ongoing operations”, he noted.

While commiserating with families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks, Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s resolve to confront criminality head-on and ensure that Benue State is safe for all.

Recall that the recent sustained attacks on the farming communities by the marauding herdsmen at the outset of farming season has claimed over 20 lives, while scores are still struggling with varying degrees of injuries.