March 08, (THEWILL) — Families in Tyungu Jam and Mbaav communities in Yaav and Mbadura Council wards in Kwande local Government area of Benue State are in deep sorrow following the deadly attack by suspected Fulani terrorists, resulting in the killing of over 12 people, with several others bearing injuries of various degrees.
A survivor, James Jato, noted that the Thursday night invasion left residents fleeing for safety, while the injured were left behind, and several others were missing.
“The search team is ongoing in nearby bushes for more discoveries of either bead bodies or the wounded who may have taken refuge. This is outside those killed by herdsmen, even with the presence of over 300 army personnel in the land”, Jato stated.
However, in a swift reaction, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned in the strongest terms the brutal killings in the area in which several others were injured.
The Governor described the attack as barbaric, senseless, and unacceptable, expressing deep sorrow and outrage at the loss of precious lives and extending his condolences to the families of the victims.
The Governor, who emphasised that every life matters and that the loss of even one life is too many, assured the people of Kwande and Benue State that his administration will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for the killings are held accountable.
In a statement in Makurdi on Friday, the Technical Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Media, Publicity, and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, quoted the governor as directing security agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further attacks.
The statement added that Governor Alia, who shares the concerns and anguish of the people of Kwande, assured them that his administration is committed to ensuring the security and safety of all citizens, and he will not be deterred by resistance from those opposed to peace.
“He acknowledged the recent deployment of over 400 security personnel to Jato Aka and other parts of Kwande and noted that the recent attacks indicate that more needs to be done. He said he understands the pain and frustration of the people and shares their desire for peace and security, and promised not to rest until peace is achieved”, it assured.
The governor, therefore, appealed to the people of Kwande to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as they work to restore peace to the area, saying the complexities of insecurity are challenging but not insurmountable, assuring to stop at nothing to ensure that absolute peace returns to the state in general and to Kwande in particular.
