Benue State Governor, Rev Fr. Hyacinth Alia has described the early Sunday, July 12, 2026, morning attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on Akpachi village and the Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, as barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of the people of State.
Governor Alia while expressing profound sadness, strongly condemned the deadly attacks by the suspected armed herdsmen that reportedly invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep.
The Governor warned that while the people of Benue have consistently demonstrated remarkable restraint and a commitment to peace, such restraint must never be mistaken for weakness.
“My government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields,” Alia declared.
Alia said he was particularly pained that the attacks occurred at a time when the state government has been working closely with traditional rulers and security agencies to foster lasting peace and harmony.
A statement by Sir Tersso Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, stated that the attackers killed scores of people while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
While expressing serious grief, Governor Alia said he shared in the anger of the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District.
He further said; “Your lives are precious, and I can assure you that your ancestral lands will not be surrendered to fear. These acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state”.
Accordingly, Governor Alia issued a clear and immediate directive to all security agencies operating in the state to liaise with their counterparts in neighbouring states and “swing into action” with renewed vigour by intensifying surveillance and patrols across the affected communities and border areas.
He also directed security agencies to relentlessly pursue the perpetrators, ensure their arrest and prosecution, and deploy additional personnel and resources to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further attacks.
The Governor called on Benue residents to remain vigilant, and urged every citizen to cooperate with the police and military by providing timely and credible intelligence, saying that security is a collective responsibility, thus every and timely information remains a vital tool in defence.
While sympathising with the bereaved families, Governor Alia prayed the speedy recovery of the injured, and reassured all Benue citizens that his administration remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
