Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has strongly condemned the recent attacks and massacre of innocent citizens at Yelewata by suspected criminal herders, declaring that nothing should warrant the taking of human life.

Armed men suspected to be herders terrorizing Benue State launched an unprovoked attack on Yelewata on Friday night, killing at least 109 persons in what has been described as a bloodbath.

According to a statement by Tersoo Kuka, the Deputy Governor of the state, Sam Ode, visited the scene of the heinous act on the directives of the Governor to deliver his message of condolence and assurance.

Governor's Response to the Massacre

During the visit, Deputy Governor Ode conveyed that Governor Alia was not resting on his oars to ensure peace returns to the state. "Governor Hyacinth Alia acknowledges and shares in your pains and grief caused by these attacks on your community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen," he stated.

"The State Government is consistently engaging with Federal security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security interventions and provide lasting solutions to these persistent attacks," Ode added.

Enhanced Security Measures

The Deputy Governor assured citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, with additional security deployments being arranged for vulnerable areas.

"Response squad teams are also deployed and will be in Benue from Sunday, strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing," he revealed.

Furthermore, the state's joint operations units are being strengthened and "will not relent in its utmost commitment to defending the lives and properties of all residents," according to the Deputy Governor.

The Yelewata attack marks one of the deadliest incidents in recent times in Benue State, which has long suffered from farmer-herder conflicts. Local sources reported that 107 bodies had been recovered in what some residents described as a "Black Saturday" for the community.

As the state mourns this tragedy, the government's response will be closely watched by residents who have repeatedly called for more decisive action to end the cycle of violence in the region.

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