Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia condemns the deadly Ukum assault as security agencies respond to attacks across six communities
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Sunday, August 16, 2026, condemned a deadly Benue attack on six communities in Ukum Local Government Area and pledged continued support for security agencies after suspected armed herders killed residents and injured others.
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The early morning assault affected Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities in Mbazun Ward, according to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula. The statement did not give a specific death toll or number of injured victims.
Alia commended security personnel for their response and offered condolences to families who lost loved ones, while promising that his administration would continue providing support to protect communities across the state.
The governor also issued a firm warning to those he accused of trying to undermine efforts to restore peace in Benue.
“Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks the attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” Alia said.
“I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent.”
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements to the authorities, describing timely information as essential to confronting armed groups operating in the state.
The latest violence adds to a troubling pattern of attacks recorded across Benue in recent months.
In July, suspected armed herders were linked to deadly assaults in several communities, including Otukpo Nobi and Efeyi in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The police later said 13 people were killed in the July 28 attack on Efeyi, revising an earlier community estimate of 15 deaths.
The command said the attackers were suspected bandits who had invaded the community in connection with cattle rustling.
Earlier in July, eight people were killed and five others injured when armed assailants attacked Otukpo Nobi shortly after the burial of an octogenarian resident, according to the Benue State Police Command.
Other incidents have also affected Ukum and neighbouring areas.
Security forces have carried out clearance and anti-kidnapping operations in parts of the state, including operations by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke that resulted in the rescue of kidnapped victims and the recovery of weapons.
The security situation has prompted calls for a more sustained response.
In July, the Senate urged the immediate deployment of security personnel to several Benue communities following a series of attacks that had claimed at least 20 lives.
The police have also expanded tactical operations in affected areas, including forests identified as possible hideouts for armed groups and kidnappers.
Against that backdrop, the latest Ukum assault is likely to renew concerns among residents about the safety of farming communities and the ability of security agencies to maintain a permanent presence in vulnerable areas.
Alia said security agencies must remain present in strategic locations across the state and continue confronting what he described as the “enemies of the state”.
The governor also acknowledged federal government assistance in tackling insecurity and said his administration would not relent in its efforts to protect residents.
While the immediate circumstances surrounding Sunday’s attack remain subject to further investigation, the continuing violence has placed renewed pressure on authorities to combine rapid security responses with longer-term measures capable of preventing repeated attacks.
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For communities in Ukum, the immediate priority remains the protection of lives and the restoration of confidence after another grim episode of violence.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
