Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the latest attacks on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, where suspected armed herdsmen reportedly killed scores of residents in separate assaults.

According to local sources, the violence began on Saturday when suspected herdsmen attacked Akpachi Village in the Ugboju community, killing two people and leaving several others injured.

Less than 24 hours later, the attackers reportedly launched another assault on Otukpo Nobi community in the early hours of Sunday, killing eight people and injuring several others.

The renewed attacks sparked protests by angry youths and residents, who marched to the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo to demand urgent government intervention over the worsening security situation.

The incident comes barely one month after the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, were killed around Okwudu in Otukpo Local Government Area after attending a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia described the attacks as a grave violation of peace and a barbaric assault on human life and the people of Benue State.

The governor stated that the suspected armed herdsmen invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. while residents were asleep, killing scores of people and leaving many others with varying degrees of injuries.

Alia expressed deep concern that the attacks occurred despite ongoing efforts by the state government, traditional rulers and security agencies to promote lasting peace across the state.

He described the killings as a deliberate attempt to undermine the progress and stability of Benue State.

The governor sympathised with the people of Otukpo and the entire Benue South Senatorial District, assuring them that their lives matter and that their ancestral lands would not be surrendered to violence.

He warned that although the people of Benue have consistently shown restraint and remained committed to peace, such restraint should never be mistaken for weakness.

Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting communities from further attacks and directed security agencies to intensify efforts to track down, arrest and prosecute those responsible.

He also ordered the deployment of additional security personnel and resources to vulnerable communities to prevent further attacks and strengthen security across the affected areas.