Gov. Hyacinth Alia has expressed deep sadness over the attack on Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, carried out by some gunmen.
Alia described the attack as unfortunate and vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice.
This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Tersoo Kula.
Alia also commended the Benue Police Command for its swift response to the incident.
He said the police neutralised two suspected armed bandits believed to have participated in the attack while pursuing the fleeing assailants.
Scores of residents were reportedly killed, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries after the attackers invaded the community in the early hours of Tuesday.
The newsmen report that police operatives were immediately deployed after receiving reports of the attack to track down those responsible.
The operatives engaged the fleeing suspects in a gun battle, killing two who allegedly provided cover for others attempting to escape.
Alia reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in eliminating criminal elements and safeguarding lives and property across the state.
He warned that those seeking to displace Benue residents and occupy their ancestral lands would not succeed.
The governor said: “Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come, push people away, and take over should think twice.
“Our people are peaceful and hardworking. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected and our land is secured.”
