Many killed in Benue community, Governor Alia reacts

Scores of people were killed in an early morning raid on Sai Community in Mbajir Council Ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources from the community said the attackers struck around 2 a.m. on Wednesday and killed many residents.

One resident, who did not want to be named, spoke to reporters over the phone. He said several bodies were found, and many injured victims were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment.

"Armed herders came into Sai Community around 2 a.m. They went from house to house, shooting randomly and making people run into the bush for safety.

"When we returned to the community at daylight, youths had found 10 bodies of the victims, while others were taken to a hospital in Katsina-Ala for treatment," the resident said.

As of now, the Benue State Police Command has not responded to the incident. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful as calls to his phone went unanswered.

In the meantime, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the attack on Sai Community. He called on security agencies to send more personnel to the area.

A statement from the governor’s chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, said Alia believes the quick deployment of security forces will help stop further attacks.

The statement read in part, "Send more personnel to Sai and nearby communities to stop further attacks by terrorists and armed herdsmen.

"Launch a manhunt for those responsible for this terrible crime to make sure they face justice.

"Ensure the safety of farmers as they work on their crops, so there is no more disruption to farming activities.

"This sad event, which happened in the early hours of July 1, left many dead and many others injured. It was reportedly carried out by terrorists pretending to be herdsmen."

Governor Alia described the attack as a "senseless assault on innocent people." He added:

"This attack is a cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, especially at a time when our hardworking farmers have returned to their lands to cultivate their farms.

"These enemies of progress have chosen to disturb the peace and food security of our state by attacking when crops are growing and the hope for a good harvest is high."

The governor expressed his sympathy to the families of those who lost loved ones in the attack and to the victims getting medical care. He also encouraged residents of Katsina-Ala and the state not to lose hope and assured them of his government's commitment to protecting lives and property.

"We will not let the forces of evil push you away from your lands or kill your spirit. We are creating a Benue where peace and justice rule, and this setback will only make us stronger," the statement concluded.

Katsina-Ala Local Government Area is known for violent attacks in Benue State and has often faced assaults blamed on armed herders and local bandits.