Makurdi, Nigeria —
Amid mounting pressure and public outrage over renewed killings in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has announced the deployment of special tactical teams and response squads to vulnerable communities, in what appears to be a decisive move to curb escalating insecurity.
In a statement released Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia revealed that federal-backed forces have begun arriving in the state to reinforce local security efforts.
“We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas,” the statement read.
This comes on the heels of a deadly attack on Yelwata community, which left several residents dead and many others displaced. The assailants are suspected to be armed criminal herdsmen.
“I acknowledge and share in your pains and grief caused by these attacks,” Alia said, condemning the massacre and pledging justice for the victims.
According to the governor, the response includes not just boots on the ground but an all-hands-on-deck approach, involving traditional rulers, security agencies, and grassroots leaders in intelligence gathering and conflict prevention.
“Strategic community dialogues are ongoing to enhance active intelligence sharing,” Alia disclosed.
He further noted that Benue’s joint operations units are being reinforced, with more firepower and personnel committed to protecting lives and property.
In a call for calm, the governor urged religious, political, and traditional leaders to help de-escalate tensions and discourage unlawful gatherings or retaliatory actions that could worsen the crisis.
“We must guide our youths away from actions that could spiral out of control,” he cautioned.
The state government also encouraged residents to report suspicious activity through official channels and to rely on verified information sources to avoid panic and misinformation.
Meanwhile, Deputy Governor Sam Ode has visited Yelwata to commiserate with survivors and reassure them of the government’s commitment to their safety.
Governor Alia concluded with a strong promise:
“We will not rest on our oars until peace is restored to every corner of Benue State.”
As the tactical teams settle in, all eyes are on whether this latest deployment will finally halt the wave of bloodshed that has plagued the state in recent months.
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