Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has ordered immediate deployment of joint security operations to Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas following deadly attacks that have claimed at least 23 lives.

Speaking to journalists after an emergency security council meeting at the Government House on Monday, Governor Alia confirmed that 12 persons were killed in Apa LGA and 11 in Gwer West LGA.

"Security operatives have been directed to sweep the affected communities and restore peace," the governor stated, adding that casualty figures might change as more information becomes available from the security teams on the ground.

DAILY POST had earlier reported that no fewer than 25 persons were confirmed dead following an attack by suspected herdsmen on Edikwu Ankpali community in Apa Local Government Area.

In a separate incident, several persons were feared killed late Sunday night after suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly attack on the Tyoshin community in Naka, the headquarters of Gwer West Local Government Area.

The governor strongly condemned the attacks during the press briefing, promising that more information would be made available as the security response develops.

These incidents mark another episode in the ongoing security challenges facing Benue State, which has witnessed numerous attacks attributed to armed herdsmen in recent years.

The governor's directive for immediate security intervention comes as communities in the affected areas remain in fear following the deadly assaults.