Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has confirmed the killing of five people in Ukum Local Government Area and condemned the wave of suspected herdsmen attacks across the Sankera axis, which left 17 people dead, according to police reports.
Speaking to journalists in Makurdi after the Good Friday Mass at Holy Ghost Parish, Governor Alia cautioned communities against resorting to self-help.
The governor assured residents that the state government, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders.
While condemning the attacks on Benue communities, Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and to volunteer timely information to security agencies.
According to him, the prompt response in Ukum was made possible by early intelligence, which helped prevent an even more devastating outcome.
The Benue State Police Command, in a statement by PRO Sewuese Anene, confirmed that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of the state, and the police moved in to engage the militia in Gbagir, where they had killed five persons.
The statement revealed that while the Gbagir operation was ongoing, another group of militia simultaneously attacked the neighbouring Logo Local Government Area, killing 12 people and bringing the total death toll in the area to 17.
The situation in the state has sparked wild speculations on social media, where it is alleged that suspected herdsmen invaded the area and killed about 100 persons, but the police have cautioned against unconfirmed rumours in dealing with casualty figures.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
