Governor Alia orders a manhunt after a deadly Benue attack, vowing justice for victims and intensified security operations

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday ordered security agencies to launch an aggressive manhunt for terrorists responsible for a deadly attack on Abande community in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of the state.

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Governor Alia condemned the assault in a statement issued in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, describing the attack as a cowardly act that challenged both the state and the nation’s security architecture.

The governor said the perpetrators of the Tuesday attack, which claimed several lives including a police officer and led to the destruction of homes and market stalls, must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay.

He expressed condolences to families of the victims and residents of Abande, assuring them that the state government would not relent in its responsibility to protect lives and property.

According to the statement, Governor Alia has directed relevant security agencies to intensify operations in the affected areas and deploy all available resources to restore peace and prevent further attacks.

He added that the state was strengthening collaboration with federal security authorities and local intelligence networks to ensure those behind the violence are decisively dealt with.

Local accounts indicated that the attackers struck on a market day, looting stalls and setting parts of the market ablaze, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

There were conflicting reports on casualty figures, with a former councillor from the area claiming that 17 people, including a police officer, were killed, while the traditional ruler of the area, His Royal Majesty Timothy Ayile, said six residents and a policeman lost their lives.

The Benue State Police Command later confirmed that five people, including an Assistant Superintendent of Police attached to the Police Mobile Force, were killed during the attack.

Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said joint security teams had been deployed to secure the area, conduct a thorough search and forestall further breakdown of law and order.

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Governor Alia urged residents to remain calm, united and resilient, stressing that the state would overcome the security challenge and that justice would prevail.