Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has called for urgent assistance in response to the recent violence perpetrated by armed herders in the region.
Gatekeepers News reports that approximately nine local government areas in the state are facing significant threats from these armed groups.
In a recent incident last Friday, several communities were attacked by armed herders, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries among residents.
During an appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Governor Alia emphasised his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by armed herders in the state.
He noted that measures have been implemented to strengthen security, including the provision of operational vehicles and advanced gadgets to support law enforcement agencies in their efforts to combat this escalating situation.
According to Alia: “What we have tried to do is buying of Hilux trucks and gave them to security apparatus in the state, we also bought six hundred motor bikes and distributed to them.
“We empowered the joint task force, Operation Zenda and Operation Ayamyor; these have been very supportive and helpful.
“Instead of having a good Friday, we had a very black Friday. We had very heavy attacks in Ukum and Logo which started with five and then 12 and it moved on.
“As at Saturday morning in Logo Local Government, we assembled those killed in the bushes and it amounted to 27 and when I went to Logo, separately from this 27; we had 29 corpses. These are the efforts we have put in place but we need help, we need more hands and help.
“The Federal Government has tried her own beat as well, they have been working with us along this lines and that is why we have the numbers from 17 down to nine and now down to six local governments in the front lines.
“They supplied us with two armoured tanks and it improved the security apparatus within the state and with the visit of the NSA yesterday, it brought some reassurance, but what we need now is the emergency of help for now then the long term can also come.
“We can’t go to the farm, there is little less we can do. Our people want to take this up and defend themselves.”
