Governor Hyacinth Alia has strongly denounced a tragic Benue attack that left several farmers dead and others missing in the Akpete/Asaba community of Ojantele Ward, located in Apa Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday when suspected armed herdsmen ambushed a group of farmers who had gone to their cashew plantation to harvest produce following rainfall the previous night.
Local sources said the farmers, drawn from nearby settlements including Ojantelle, Asaba, and Akpete, were engaged in routine agricultural work when the assailants launched the deadly assault.
Reacting to the Benue attack, Governor Alia expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and the distress caused to the affected communities.
According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor has ordered security agencies to intensify their operations in the area to track down the attackers and rescue those who were abducted during the incident.
The statement emphasised that the state government would not allow such violence against innocent citizens to go unpunished.
Authorities have been directed to pursue the perpetrators relentlessly and ensure that justice is served.
Governor Alia assured residents that the administration is committed to protecting lives and property across all communities in the state.
Describing the Benue attack as both shocking and unacceptable, the governor questioned the motive behind targeting hardworking farmers who were simply pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood.
He noted that agriculture remains the backbone of many rural communities in Benue, and attacks on farmers threaten not only lives but also food production and economic stability.
“My people are hardworking farmers who depend on their farms to survive. It is heartbreaking that individuals who were simply harvesting their crops could be subjected to such cruelty,” the governor said in the statement.
Governor Alia further condemned the killings in strong terms, describing them as a grave assault on humanity.
He stressed that acts of violence against peaceful citizens undermine the collective values of society and must be confronted decisively.
The governor also extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Benue attack, as well as to the leadership of Apa Local Government Area and residents of the affected communities.
He assured them that the state government stands in solidarity with them during this painful period.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force in Benue State has confirmed the incident and disclosed that six bodies have so far been recovered from the scene.
In a statement issued by the police command’s spokesperson, Udeme Edet, authorities explained that the victims were attacked while working on their farms.
The spokesperson said security operatives responded quickly after receiving reports of the Benue attack.
According to the police, a coordinated security operation involving officers of the police, military personnel, and local youths from surrounding communities was immediately launched.
The joint task team moved into nearby forest areas to search for survivors and track down those responsible for the killings.
Edet explained that the ongoing operation is focused on locating individuals who may still be missing and rescuing anyone who might have been abducted during the attack.
She also assured residents that security forces are committed to apprehending the suspects.
Community members have continued to express fear following the Benue attack, noting that many rural farmers depend entirely on agriculture for survival.
Residents are urging authorities to strengthen security patrols around farming settlements and forest areas to prevent further violence.
Benue State has long been known as one of Nigeria’s key agricultural hubs, often referred to as the nation’s “food basket.”
However, recurring clashes and attacks on farming communities have continued to pose serious security challenges in parts of the state.
The state government reiterated that the protection of farmers remains a top priority and promised that additional security measures would be implemented to safeguard rural communities and prevent future attacks.
As search-and-rescue operations continue, residents of Apa Local Government Area remain hopeful that security agencies will bring those responsible for the Benue attack to justice and restore peace to the troubled communities.
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