April 05, (THEWILL) — Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has vowed that justice will be served following a deadly attack by gunmen on the Mbalom community in Gwer East Local Government Area, which left nine persons dead, as security agencies intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the Governor condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He said the incident represents a direct affront to the collective peace and security of Benue State, assuring residents that decisive steps are being taken to prevent further occurrences.
“Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemns the heinous attack carried out by suspected armed herdsmen on the peace-loving people of Mbalom in Gwer East Local Government Area”, the statement read.
“The Governor describes the barbaric act as unacceptable and a direct affront to the collective peace and security of the state. He expresses deep sympathy to families affected and assures them that the government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.”
Governor Alia noted with concern what appears to be a pattern of calculated and selective attacks across parts of the state, stressing that although the threats are increasingly complex, his administration remains resolute in confronting and subduing all forms of criminality.
Reaffirming his commitment to the protection of lives and property, the Governor declared that his administration would not relent or leave anything to chance in discharging its responsibility to the people. He emphasised that those behind the attack would be tracked down and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In a positive response to the incident, the Governor commended security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift intervention and ongoing operations. He disclosed that security operatives have assured the government that they are already on the trail of the attackers and are working to ensure their arrest.
He further urged the agencies to intensify their operations to forestall further attacks and bring lasting relief to affected communities, noting that enhanced security presence remains critical at this time.
Providing additional details, the Chairman of Gwer East Local Government Area, Timothy Adi, confirmed that the attackers stormed the Mbalom-Mbatsada-Agana community between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Holy Saturday, carrying out the deadly assault despite prior security alerts indicating a possible attack.
Adi disclosed that one person sustained critical injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital. He added that he promptly notified the state Commissioner of Police, who visited the affected community to assess the level of destruction and immediately deployed additional personnel to restore calm.
According to the council chairman, the situation in the area has since been brought under control, with security operatives maintaining a strong presence to ensure peace and prevent any further breakdown of law and order.
While the incident has left the community in mourning, the swift response by security agencies and the firm assurances from the state government have reinforced confidence among residents that concrete steps are being taken to secure lives, bring perpetrators to justice, and prevent a recurrence across Benue State.
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