.Aondoakaa mourns victims, demands decisive action to end bloodshed
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has condemned the deadly attacks on Akpachi Village and Otukpo-Nobi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
Alia in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula, described the attacks as a barbaric assault on human life and the peace of the state.
According to the governor, the attackers invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo LGA between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep.
He stated that scores of people were killed, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Alia expressed sadness that the attacks occurred despite the government’s ongoing collaboration with traditional rulers and security agencies to enthrone lasting peace across the state.
The governor said the killings were a deliberate attempt to undermine the progress and stability of Benue.
He sympathised with the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District, assuring them that the government would not allow criminal elements to overrun their communities.
“My government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields,” he said.
Alia urged all security agencies in the state to collaborate with their counterparts in neighbouring states to intensify surveillance and patrols in the affected communities and border areas.
He also urged them to track the perpetrators arrest and prosecute them.
The governor appealed to residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible and timely information.
He stressed that security remained a collective responsibility and called on citizens to cooperate fully with the police and the military.
Alia also commiserated with families of the victims and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Meanwhile, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), the 2027 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, has condemned the attacks on Akpachi Village and Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
Aondoakaa’s condemnation was conveyed in statement on Sunday signed by his Media Assistant, Mr James Ian and made available to newsmen in Makurdi.
The governorship candidate who is former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, described the attacks by suspected armed herders as barbaric, horrific and unacceptable.
He expressed sadness that the attackers reportedly invaded Akpachi Village between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep, killing innocent people.
According to him, the attacks are not ordinary criminal acts but deliberate acts of terrorism against peaceful Benue people living on their ancestral land.
The PDP governorship candidate extended condolences to the bereaved families, the people of Akpa and Otukpo-Nobi communities, and the entire Otukpo LGA over the tragic loss of lives.
He said the latest killings highlighted the continued vulnerability of communities in Benue to violent attacks, resulting in deaths, displacement of residents and disruption of farming activities.
Aondoakaa stressed that the protection of lives and property remained the primary responsibility of government and called for urgent and decisive measures to halt the persistent attacks.
He urged government to strengthen security operations in vulnerable communities, improve intelligence gathering, deploy adequate personnel to identified flashpoints and ensure that those behind the attacks were arrested and prosecuted.
The former justice minister said Benue people deserved more than condolences after every tragedy, insisting that the blood of innocent victims cried out for justice.
He also expressed solidarity with affected communities and called for renewed commitment to protecting lives and restoring peace across Benue State.
