Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia, has announced, twenty-three (23) “innocent lives” have been lost in the North Central State “due to brutal and unprovoked attacks”.
Alia further announced, “12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West” Local Government Areas (LGAs).
The Governor expressed his disgust at the attacks, saying, “these killings are unacceptable”, and assured the citizens of the State, that, he will do everything within his power to ensure Benue State is not turned into a “killing field”.
After an emergence security council meeting at the Government House in the morning of Monday 2 June, 2025, the Governor ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond.
He gave a “clear mission” to the joint security forces to “stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace”.
Governor Alia said: “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West LGAs, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.
“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.
“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.”
Alia assured, his government will stand firm with every family that is greiving, as well as, displaced residents, adding, he is “mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice”, and urged the citizens “to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives” as they execute their duty.
Governor Alia said: “This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
“More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground. I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty.”
