Benue Governor Orders Security Agencies to Rescue Abducted Girl After Community Attack
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
MAKURDI, Nigeria – Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue a young girl abducted during an attack on communities in Apa Local Government Area.
The directive follows a violent incident in Akpete and neighbouring villages, where suspected armed herders reportedly attacked farmers harvesting cashew on their farms.
According to reports, several residents were killed during the assault, although the Nigeria Police Force earlier confirmed that six bodies had been recovered.
In a statement released Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary Kula Terso, the governor condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal assault on innocent farmers.
Alia says the victims were peaceful residents who had gone about their normal agricultural activities when the attackers struck.
He expresses outrage over the violence, noting that citizens should never be targeted while pursuing their livelihoods.
“The killing of people engaged in routine farm work is unacceptable and deeply troubling,” the governor says.
He also sympathises with the affected communities and families of those who lost their lives during the attack.
According to the statement, security forces have been directed to step up operations in the area, track down the perpetrators, rescue the abducted child and locate other residents reported missing after the incident.
Alia reiterates his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He assures residents that the government will continue working closely with security agencies and local leaders to strengthen security in vulnerable communities.
The governor says efforts will continue until residents can safely return to their farms and daily activities without fear.
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