Benue Attack: Governor Alia Reacts as Suspected Herdsmen Kill Residents in Fresh Ukum Raid
Mirian Gom 
MAKURDI, Nigeria – Suspected armed herders have launched another deadly attack in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, killing several residents and leaving others injured in the latest wave of violence to hit the state.
The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday, targeting Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities in Mbazun Ward.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended security agencies for their swift response while expressing condolences to families who lost loved ones.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor pledged continued support for security agencies to strengthen efforts against recurring attacks.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia appreciates the prompt response by security agencies in the herdsmen terror attack on Ukum Local Government Area,” the statement said.
According to the governor, armed men described as terrorists disguised as herders invaded the affected communities, killing residents and inflicting injuries on others.
Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, insisting that the attacks would not force Benue people from their ancestral lands.
“Benue lands belong to the Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us into leaving our land is making a mistake,” he declared.
The governor also acknowledged the Federal Government’s support in tackling insecurity, saying additional security interventions were helping ongoing operations in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies.
“This is the only way we can effectively tackle these criminals,” Alia said.
The governor further directed security agencies to sustain their presence in strategic locations across Benue to confront what he described as enemies determined to destabilise the state.
The latest attack adds to a series of violent incidents across Benue.
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Korede Abdullah