Governor Hyacinth Alia has visited Otukpo following recent attacks in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi, assuring residents that his administration will continue efforts to secure lives, protect communities and support victims.
OTUKPO, BENUE STATE — Governor Hyacinth Alia on Tuesday visited Otukpo Local Government Area to commiserate with residents affected by the recent deadly attacks in Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, assuring the people that his administration remains committed to protecting lives, securing communities and reclaiming every part of Benue from criminal elements.
The governor's visit comes days after coordinated attacks left several residents dead, many others injured and hundreds displaced, sparking widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger security measures across Benue South.
Addressing community leaders and residents during the visit, Alia acknowledged the pain and losses suffered by affected families, describing the attacks as unacceptable and reaffirming that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of his administration.
"It is my obligation to protect all lives in the state, and I am assuring you that we shall never rest on our oars until peace fully returns to our communities," the governor said.
Governor Alia urged residents to remain vigilant and strengthen collaboration with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities that could help prevent future attacks.
He noted that while government has continued to support security agencies with logistics, operational resources and motivation, lasting peace also requires timely intelligence from local communities.
According to the governor, his administration has invested significantly in strengthening security operations across the state and will continue working with security agencies until armed groups responsible for the recurring attacks are neutralised.
"We have done so much in providing the needed logistics, motivation and complementing the strength of our security forces. We will not relent until these terrorists are flushed out of Benue State," he stated.
As part of the visit, Governor Alia proceeded to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where survivors of the recent attacks are receiving medical treatment.
The governor interacted with victims and medical personnel, expressing sympathy for those injured during the violence.
He directed that the Benue State Government should take full responsibility for the medical treatment of victims currently receiving care at the facility, assuring them that they would receive comprehensive healthcare without financial burden.
The gesture was welcomed by families of the victims, many of whom have been grappling with the emotional and financial impact of the attacks.
Governor Alia also paid a condolence visit to the palace of the Och'Idoma, His Royal Majesty Agaba'Idu Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji John, where he sympathised with the traditional ruler and the entire Idoma nation over the recent loss of lives.
The visit provided an opportunity for discussions on the prevailing security situation in Benue South and the need for closer collaboration between government, traditional institutions and security agencies to prevent further violence.
Traditional rulers across the state have repeatedly called for sustained security operations and stronger protection for rural communities that continue to bear the brunt of recurring attacks.
The governor's visit comes amid heightened security concerns in Otukpo, following reports of another suspected attack in Ondo community, Ugboju District, barely 48 hours after the deadly assault on Otukpo-Nobi.
While security agencies have intensified patrols across vulnerable communities, residents continue to call for lasting measures capable of restoring confidence and enabling displaced families to return safely to their homes and farmlands.
Prime Brief Media understands that security operations remain ongoing across parts of Benue South as authorities continue efforts to prevent further attacks and restore peace to affected communities.
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