Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has issued a red alert in response to escalating insecurity across the region. In recent weeks, various parts of the state, including Otukpo, Kwande, and the Sankera axis, which encompasses the Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas, have been hit by severe violence. Attacks by armed herders have resulted in the loss of nearly 30 lives in Otukpo alone, while Sankera has seen close to 60 deaths. Kwande LGA has suffered even worse, with an average of five deaths daily, and many of its communities have been overtaken and renamed by the assailants.
In addition to the fatalities, countless residents have been displaced, seeking shelter in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Amid this rising tension, Governor Alia has instructed all security forces in the state to remain vigilant. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor urged the public to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately. The message emphasized the urgency of the situation, with the directive aimed at preventing further violence.
“Benue on Alert,” the statement read, underlining the need for both residents and security agencies to be proactive in safeguarding their communities.
