Benue Deputy Governor, Dr Sam Ode has condemned the attacks on Akpachi community in Ugboju District and Otukpo-Nobi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Ode said innocent citizens were brutally murdered in the early hours of July 12 by suspected armed herders.

The deputy governor’s condemnation was conveyed in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Godwin Ikyereve to journalists on Sunday in Makurdi.

Mr Ode described the attacks as “barbaric, inhuman, and unacceptable,” noting that the continuous killing of innocent and peace-loving people of Benue State remained a grave threat to the peace, security and development of the state.

He expressed profound sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities.

The deputy governor also condoled the entire people of Benue South senatorial district over the painful incidents.

Mr Ode further stated that Governor Hyacinth Alia who is currently out of the state on official assignment, had been fully briefed on the unfortunate development.

According to him, Mr Alia accordingly directed heads of security agencies in the state to immediately move to Otukpo to monitor, contain, and decisively address the situation.

The deputy governor assured the people that the state government was committed to the protection of lives and property.

He promised that it would continue to work closely with security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.

Calling for calm, Mr Ode urged residents of Benue South to remain peaceful, vigilant, and law-abiding.

He stressed the need for continued collaboration with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that would assist the ongoing security operations.

He appealed to the people to refrain from taking law into their own hands, assuring them that the government and security agencies were fully committed to restoring normalcy and ensuring that those responsible for the attacks face the full weight of the law.

The deputy governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for God’s comfort, strength, and healing upon the bereaved families and affected communities.

(NAN)