Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the renewed killing in the Ayati community in the Ukum Local Government Area of the state, lamenting that the attack occurred despite a strong security presence in the area.
According to reports, the casualty figure has risen to 50, including two policemen, as more corpses have been recovered.
Governor Alia expressed his disappointment, stating: “Governor Alia strongly condemns the attack on unarmed innocent citizens of Benue State by armed bandits, expressing worry that such heinous act has continued in the state despite strong security presence.”
He vowed to continue using lawful procedures to protect the people of Benue, particularly Ukum residents, and called on security personnel to improve their surveillance and ensure that vulnerable communities were not left unguarded.
The governor also extended his condolences to the families of the victims, saying: “He consoles families that lost their loved ones in the attack, saying his thoughts of comfort and prayers are with them and with the entire people of Ukum Local Government.”
The attack occurred in one of the three local government areas that make up the Sankara axis, where criminality has been a persistent issue. The government is awaiting the findings of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the matter.
