Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the killings of two travelers along the Awajir-Oju Road and a separate attack on the Nyifon community in Buruku Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor described the incidents as tragic and unacceptable. He said security reports revealed that the two victims, who were indigenes of the state, were attacked and killed in cold blood while traveling on a motorcycle from Oju.
Governor Alia also decried the violence in Nyifon community, Mbaikyongo Council Ward, allegedly perpetrated by youths from Mbayaka community in Kusuv, following a dispute linked to a boat mishap.
“The two incidents, though occurring in different areas, are unfortunate and deeply concerning,” the governor said. “No individual or group has the right to invade another community or inflict harm under any circumstance.”
He directed security agencies to work closely with traditional rulers in the affected areas to identify and apprehend the perpetrators within 48 hours for prosecution.
“Benue is beginning to enjoy relative peace and stability. I will not tolerate any action—regardless of who is involved—that threatens the peace we are working tirelessly to maintain,” Alia warned.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and called on all communities across the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding as investigations continue.
