Militants launch assault on villages in Benue, leaving locals dead and wounded

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Terrorists suspected to be herdsmen attacked communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday, killing some residents and injuring others.

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The attack occurred in the early hours of Sunday in Mbaterem, Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities of Mbazun Ward.

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The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, commended security agencies for their prompt response to the attack and condoled with families of those killed.

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In a statement issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor vowed to continue supporting security agencies to protect residents of the state.

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The statement read, “Governor Hyacinth Alia appreciates the prompt response by security agencies in the herdsmen terror attack on Ukum Local Government Area.

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“Terrorists masquerading as herdsmen in the early hours of today invaded and attacked the people of Mbaterem in Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio, Ukpen communities of Mbazun ward, killing some and inflicting injuries on others.

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“The Governor consoles those who lost loved ones and the injured, vowing to keep giving the necessary support to security agencies to effectively protect the state.”

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The statement quoted Alia as warning those he accused of attempting to undermine the peace process in the state.

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“Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks the attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake,” he said.

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“I took an oath to protect our people, and I will not relent. I must appreciate the fact that the federal government is advancing a lot of support for us to tackle these acts of terrorism,” he affirmed.

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The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the authorities.

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“Like I always say, you must all remain vigilant and always ensure that you forward information on suspicious movements around you.

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“This is the only way we can be able to effectively tackle these criminals,” he said.

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Alia also charged security agencies to maintain their presence in strategic areas across the state to tackle what he described as “enemies of the state” who remained unrelenting.

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He assured residents that his administration would continue its efforts to protect them.

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The Ukum attack forms part of a sustained pattern of deadly raids across Benue State in recent weeks.

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PUNCH Online had reported that on Thursday night, gunmen abducted 14 passengers travelling in an 18-seater bus along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini LGA.n

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The police later confirmed that five victims, including a four-year-old boy, had been rescued, while nine remained in captivity as of Friday.

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In Early July, at least 16 people were reportedly killed by suspected armed herders in Nobi.n

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Later that month, suspected armed herders invaded Efeyi community and killed 15 people.

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PUNCH Metro reported that the suspects were reported to have stormed the community around 5am, shooting sporadically.

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Obi prayed for the repose of those killed and urged the government to take stronger measures to protect affected communities.

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“May the souls of the departed continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen,” he said.

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