Nine dead in Benue as Alia warns attackers will not be allowed to thrive

Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of nine people in a fresh attack on Mbalom community in Gwer East local government area of Benue State, describing the incident as “barbaric” and unacceptable.

In a statement issued on Sunday by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the assault by suspected armed herdsmen was a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.

Alia expressed sympathy with the affected families, assuring them of government support. “The governor strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out on the peace-loving people of Mbalom,” the statement said, adding that such violence would not be tolerated.

He warned that the pattern of attacks across parts of the state suggested a calculated effort to destabilise communities, stressing that the government remained determined to confront all forms of criminality.

“The state will not allow these hydra-headed acts of terror to thrive,” he said, reiterating his administration’s resolve to protect lives and property.

The governor commended the Nigeria Police Force for their swift response, noting that security operatives were already pursuing the perpetrators with a view to ensuring their arrest and prosecution. He urged agencies to intensify operations to prevent further attacks.

According to the chairman of Gwer local government area, Timothy Adi, the attackers stormed the community between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday, killing nine people and leaving one critically injured.

Adi said there had been prior security alerts warning of a possible attack. He added that the state commissioner of police, Ifeanyi Enemari, visited the area to assess the situation and deployed personnel to restore calm.

The attack, which occurred on Holy Saturday, is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have continued to plague parts of Benue, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the state.