By Our Reporter, With Agency Reports
GOVERNMENT officials and political stakeholders have condemned the latest deadly attacks on on Akpachi Village and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo LGA of Benue State, with widespread calls for strengthened security, the arrest and prosecution of those responsible, and renewed efforts to restore peace.
While the state government directed security agencies to intensify operations and reassure residents, political figures across party lines also expressed condolences to victims’ families and urged decisive measures to prevent further bloodshed.
State Government Orders Security Response
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, condemned the attacks, describing them as a barbaric assault on human life and the peace of the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attackers invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo LGA, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep, leaving scores dead and many others injured.
Alia expressed sadness that the killings occurred despite the government’s ongoing collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to promote lasting peace, describing the attacks as a deliberate attempt to undermine the state’s progress and stability.
He assured residents that the government would not allow criminal elements to overrun communities and directed security agencies in Benue to work with their counterparts in neighbouring states to intensify surveillance and patrols in affected communities and border areas.
He also ordered security operatives to track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible.
The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that security remained a collective responsibility. He also sympathised with families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Deputy Governor Seeks Justice, Urges Calm
Also condemning the attacks, Deputy Governor, Sam Ode, described the killings as barbaric, inhuman and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Godwin Ikyereve, Ode said innocent residents were killed in the early hours of July 12 by suspected armed herders, adding that the continued attacks posed a serious threat to the peace, security and development of Benue State.
He said Governor Alia, who was away on official assignment, had been fully briefed and had directed heads of security agencies in the state to proceed immediately to Otukpo to monitor, contain and decisively address the situation.
The deputy governor assured residents of the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to ensure those behind the attacks were apprehended and brought to justice.
While calling on residents to remain peaceful, vigilant and law-abiding, he urged them to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information and cautioned against taking the law into their own hands.
Political Leaders Call For Stronger Security
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate for Benue South, Dr David Olofu, called on governments at all levels to strengthen security in vulnerable communities following the renewed violence.
Reacting to the attacks, allegedly carried out by suspected armed herders, Olofu condemned the recurring violence across the senatorial district and urged security agencies to intensify efforts to protect lives and bring perpetrators to justice.
He described the attacks as deliberate acts of aggression, sympathised with the bereaved families and prayed for the repose of those killed.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric, horrific and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by his Media Assistant, Mr James Ian, the former Attorney-General of the Federation said the attacks were more than ordinary criminal acts, describing them as deliberate acts of terrorism against peaceful Benue communities.
Aondoakaa said the killings underscored the continued vulnerability of communities in the state, leading to deaths, displacement and disruption of farming activities.
He called on government to strengthen security operations, improve intelligence gathering, deploy adequate personnel to flashpoints and ensure that those responsible were arrested and prosecuted.
He added that Benue people deserved more than repeated condolences after each tragedy and called for renewed commitment to protecting lives and restoring lasting peace across the state.
Local Authorities Report Casualties, Appeal For Restraint
Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, said the latest violence followed the killing of two farmers in Apachi village on Friday.
According to him, the victims’ bodies were recovered and buried on Saturday after residents searched the area. Despite heightened vigilance, gunmen attacked Otukpo-Nobi at about 4:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Ogiri said angry youths protested by taking the bodies of some victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma, adding that local authorities were working to calm tensions and prevent reprisals against innocent people.
He said 10 people had been killed in the latest wave of attacks – comprising the two farmers killed on Friday and eight others during Sunday’s attack on Otukpo-Nobi.
Several others sustained injuries, while survivors had been relocated to safer locations as security was reinforced in the area.
