Benue Massacre: Gov Hyacinth Alia Vows Justice for 50 Slain Villagers

Benue Massacre: Death Toll Rises to 50 as Governor Alia Condemns ‘Unprovoked Attack’

The casualty figure in the renewed killing in Ayati community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, has skyrocketed to 50, including two policemen, as more corpses are recovered. Governor Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has vehemently condemned the attack, lamenting that it occurred despite a strong security presence in the area.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Tersoo, Governor Alia described the attack as “another unprovoked attack on Ayati settlement” and expressed worry that such heinous acts continue in the state despite security measures. He vowed to continue using lawful procedures to protect Benue people, particularly Ukum residents, and called on security personnel to improve surveillance and guard vulnerable communities.

The governor consoled families who lost loved ones, saying his thoughts and prayers are with them and the entire people of Ukum Local Government. Ukum is one of the three local government areas in the Sankara axis, where criminality has taken hold. Recently, Ukum and Katsina-Ala have been epicenters of bloodbaths.

Meanwhile, the state Police Command reported that only 15 people were killed in the renewed bandits’ attack on Ayati community. However, the governor’s statement puts the death toll at 50. The police said the bandits invaded Ayati village at about 1630hrs, shooting sporadically, and police officers responded, repelling the bandits, but 15 people had already sustained fatal gunshot injuries. Two police officers also lost their lives. Corpses have been deposited at General Hospital Ukum, and investigation is ongoing.”