Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has reassured residents of the state’s commitment to ending the wave of violent attacks linked to suspected armed herders, declaring that his administration will not relent until terrorists are completely driven out of Benue communities.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday during a visit to Otukpo, where he sympathized with residents of Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities following the recent deadly attacks that claimed lives and left several others injured.
Addressing traditional leaders and members of the community at the palace of the Ochi’Idoma, Governor Alia described the attacks as heartbreaking and reaffirmed that protecting the lives and property of Benue people remains one of the foremost responsibilities of his administration.
“It is my obligation to protect all lives in the state, and I assure you that we shall never rest on our oars until peace fully returns to our communities,” the governor said.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements and activities promptly, stressing that timely intelligence would help security operatives prevent future attacks.
Governor Alia noted that his administration has continued to provide logistics, operational support, and encouragement to security personnel deployed across the state. According to him, the government remains committed to strengthening security operations until criminal elements are eliminated.
“I will not rest but continue until terrorists are flushed out of the state,” he declared.
As part of his visit, the governor also inspected the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo, where victims injured during the attacks are receiving medical attention.
He expressed sympathy to those undergoing treatment and directed that the Benue State Government should bear the full cost of their medical care to ensure they receive comprehensive treatment without financial burden.
The governor’s visit also included a courtesy call on the paramount ruler of the Idoma Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, where he conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives and destruction caused by the attacks.
Governor Alia assured the traditional ruler that the government would continue collaborating with security agencies and community leaders to strengthen security across Idomaland and other vulnerable areas of the state.
The recent attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities have once again highlighted the persistent security challenges facing parts of Benue State, where violent clashes and attacks have displaced many residents and disrupted livelihoods.
Residents have repeatedly appealed for stronger security measures, while community leaders have called for sustained efforts to prevent further violence and restore confidence among affected communities.
The governor reiterated that his administration remains focused on protecting ancestral lands, preserving peace, and ensuring that displaced families can safely return to their homes.
He emphasized that defeating criminal elements requires cooperation between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and local communities.
Governor Alia further appealed to residents not to take the law into their own hands but to continue supporting lawful security operations aimed at restoring lasting peace across the state.
The visit has been welcomed by many residents, who described it as a demonstration of solidarity with victims and affected families during a difficult period.
With security operations expected to continue in the affected areas, the Benue State Government says it remains determined to pursue lasting solutions that will guarantee the safety of lives, protect communities, and restore normal economic and social activities throughout the state.
