Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured residents that his administration is responding promptly to the series of deadly attacks by armed herders across the state, despite challenges with military resources.
Speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief on Monday, Governor Alia acknowledged that while the Nigerian military is overstretched, they continue to provide significant support in combating the escalating violence.
"There have been very prompt responses on the attacks we've been having. If we leave sentiments out of this equation, we'll better appreciate this narrative," Alia stated. "Granted that the military is stretched, I'm not supporting them, but we've had enormous support."
Recent Deadly Attacks
Benue State has witnessed a surge in violence from suspected herders in recent days. Just days ago, armed attackers stormed Yelewata in Guma Local Government Area, reportedly killing over 200 people in one of the deadliest incidents in the region.
The violence has also spilled into neighboring areas. Most recently, attackers launched another deadly raid on Tse Yange, a Tiv-dominated community in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. During this assault, the village head was reportedly killed and several residents were abducted.
Governor Alia urged for a more nuanced understanding of the security situation, stating: "You can appreciate this story if you are in the state and fully understand the different stages and levels we've had series of attacks, so there have been very prompt responses."
The ongoing herder-farmer conflicts in Benue have raised concerns about the state's security architecture and the federal government's response to the crisis that continues to claim lives and displace communities.
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