Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has confirmed the killing of 23 persons in Apa and Gwer West Local Government Areas of the state by gunmen.
According to Alia,12 of the victims were killed in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government.
The governor said the killings of the innocent persons by yet to be identified gunmen is unacceptable, saying that cannot fold its arm and allow innocent people to be killed at will.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.
“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.
“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond.
“Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace.
“This government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident.
“We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
“More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground.
“I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty,” Alia said in a statement.
Many residents were reportedly killed when gunmen attacked communities in Gwer west and Apa LGAs on Sunday
The police in command in Benue have not issued any official statement on the attacks.
However, Timothy Kume, chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), confirmed the attack, saying that actual number if victims is yet to be ascertained
“It’s not that I don’t have the figure, but the one I have is old; as you know, the attack is happening nearly every day.
“For instance, the Sunday attack on Naka, headquarters of Gwer West LG, affected one pastor; he was killed in the attack.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
