Executive Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, received the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, alongside, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, following the “recent wave of brutal attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent men, women, and children”.
The Governor said, families and communities have been left ravaged after “these heinous acts, perpetrated by suspected armed herders, bandits, and terrorists”.
Alia said, he with Egbetokun and Musa, visited Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, one of the heavily affected communities, and met with grieving families, youths, and community leaders.
The Governor assured, “our government is working tirelessly in close partnership with traditional institutions, local government chairmen, security agencies, and the Federal Government to break this tragic cycle of violence and restore lasting peace to our communities.”
Governor Alia said via his official X account: “Yesterday, I had the honour of receiving the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, here in Benue State, in response to the recent wave of brutal attacks that have claimed the lives of innocent men, women, and children.
“These heinous acts, perpetrated by suspected armed herders, bandits, and terrorists, have left families and communities devastated.
“As part of our efforts to respond decisively to this crisis, we visited Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area; one of the communities most gravely affected.
“There, we met with grieving families, youths, and community leaders, offering our heartfelt condolences and reaffirming our commitment to justice, peace, and security.
“I am encouraged by the immediate directives issued by the Inspector General of Police, which include the deployment of additional tactical teams and security assets to reinforce ongoing operations in vulnerable areas.
“I have also been in regular contact with His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has expressed deep sympathy for the good people of Benue State.
“The President has graciously committed to visiting us tomorrow to personally assess the situation on the ground, to stand in solidarity with our people in this time of mourning, and,
“more importantly, to take decisive action in collaboration with our administration to end the killings in our dear state. Let me reassure the people of Benue State: your safety remains our highest priority.
“Our government is working tirelessly in close partnership with traditional institutions, local government chairmen, security agencies, and the Federal Government to break this tragic cycle of violence and restore lasting peace to our communities.
“To those who have lost loved ones, I extend my deepest condolences. We mourn with you, we stand with you, and we will not rest until justice is served and peace returns to every corner of our dear state.
“May God continue to protect the good people of Benue State and grant us the strength to overcome these difficult times.”
Photo: X/Fr. Hyacinth lormem Alia
