Benue: Gov Alia orders immediate military action in Apa, Gwer West

Benue: Gov Alia orders immediate military action in Apa, Gwer West

The governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has ordered the immediate deployment of combined security forces to the local government areas of Apa and Gwer West in response to violent attacks that killed 23 residents.

Governor Alia stated in a statement Monday evening that 12 persons were slain in Apa and 11 in Gwer West in what he called “brutal and unprovoked attacks.”

He called the murders intolerable and pledged to prevent Benue communities from becoming slaughterhouses.

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The governor revealed that the order came after an emergency security council meeting at Makurdi’s Government House.

He said the security forces have been instructed to “stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.”

The Benue state Governor reassured the distraught families and displaced people that the government was using all of its resources to save lives and make sure the perpetrators of the atrocities were held accountable.

He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their operations, promising that more updates would follow as the situation develops on the ground.

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He said, “It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.

“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.

“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.

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“This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident. We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.

“More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground. I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty.”