Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has ordered the immediate deployment of joint security forces to Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas following brutal attacks that claimed 23 lives.

In a statement released on Monday night, Governor Alia confirmed that 12 people were killed in Apa and 11 in Gwer West in what he described as "brutal and unprovoked attacks."

"These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields," Alia stated firmly.

Emergency Security Measures

The governor disclosed that the directive followed an emergency security council meeting at the Government House in Makurdi. Security forces have been instructed to "stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace."

"Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace," the governor said.

Governor Alia expressed solidarity with the grieving families and displaced persons, assuring them that the government was mobilizing all available resources to protect lives and ensure that those behind the attacks are brought to justice.

Call for Vigilance

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their operations, promising that more updates would follow as the situation develops on the ground.

"This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice," he added.

The attacks come amid growing concerns over security in Benue State, which has experienced recurring violence in recent years. The governor's swift response signals his administration's commitment to addressing the security challenges facing communities in the state.

Security operations are currently underway in the affected areas, with more updates expected as the situation unfolds.