₦airaland Forum

By Andrew Haruna

Makurdi, Benue State — In response to the latest wave of deadly attacks that claimed 17 lives across Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has issued a strong warning to residents against resorting to vigilante justice or self-help measures.

Speaking to journalists after the Good Friday Mass held at Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi, the Catholic priest-turned-governor confirmed the killing of five persons in Ukum LGA and expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in the Sankera geopolitical zone.

The deadly raids, allegedly carried out by suspected Fulani herdsmen, are part of an ongoing security crisis plaguing North-Central Nigeria, where tensions between herders and farmers continue to result in loss of life and property.

“We understand the pain our people are facing, but we must never take the law into our own hands,” Governor Alia stated. “The Benue State Government, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), is putting in place a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy to end these targeted killings.”

Coordinated Militia Attacks Leave 17 Dead

The violence, which unfolded in the late hours of April 17, 2025, has been linked to armed militias suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. According to a statement released by SP Sewuese Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, tactical teams were deployed to the troubled Sankera axis following intelligence reports of an impending attack.

“The militia first attacked Gbagir in Ukum LGA where five persons were killed. Simultaneously, another group launched an assault on neighbouring Logo LGA, leaving 12 dead,” Anene said.

She added that police and federal security operatives engaged the assailants, pushing them back towards the Taraba State forest region, a known hideout for armed militias in the Middle Belt.

Government Pledges Enhanced Security Operations

Governor Alia emphasized that the state security architecture is being strengthened through strategic partnerships with national intelligence agencies. He also called on community leaders to support peace-building efforts and share actionable intelligence with law enforcement officers.

“The prompt intervention in Ukum was a result of early information provided by vigilant locals. We need more of such collaboration to prevent further bloodshed,” he said.

The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to rural development, agricultural protection, and internal security reform across conflict-prone zones in Benue State.

Source: The Bureau Newspaper

Painful

No offence meant….. I thank God I’m not from Kogi, Benue , or plateau state…

Sensational!

The Governor couldn't have openly canvasses for reprisal.

The people know what to do, even without the Gov saying anything .

Dey there, your people are finishing.

Benue people are like fish and Fulani herdsmen are the fishers of men.

Let the party continues

I talk am say this mumu no get sense

I told you guys this man is a fool.

They should not fight back.

They should fold their arms and continue getting killed?

And it’s not like he’s doing anything.

Benue, sorry!

Useless man get out.

Self defense is a constitutional right.

This is the same Governor Alia that was begging the Fulanis to stop killing his people few weeks ago.

How can you be pleading with terrorists and still expect your people to see you as their leader?

Gov Alia, are you not an indigene of Benue state?

The Fulani herdsmen are used by the Fulani elite that play politics and also use them for their religious games! These group of terrorist keep forming everyday that can only tell you some of these northerners and their family benefits from these terrorize group. You can’t see a governor whose people are slaughter on a daily basis would boldly come out and tell you don’t fight back! They have killed all the Christian in Borno, Benue and platue now they so tasty for blood they now result to killing their own people.

I don't want to believe the government of Benue headed by Alia will utter this

Same babablu government that said they can't guarantee security of anyone.

If you love your life, better relocate out from Benue.

Let them defend themselves if they need to instead of trying to pacify them with unreasonable talk.

You felt obliged to defend the governor?

LibertyRep:
Sensational!

The Governor couldn't have openly canvasses for reprisal.

The people know what to do, even without the Gov saying anything .

Don't worry, you will start governing graveyards if drastic actions are not taken immediately. Pathetic Politicians

Toh Make the Fulani herdsmen continue killing the people of Benue state.

The Benue people should just fold their hands and be watching their people getting killed.

Abi na only Benue people dey live in Nigeria?

ValarDoharis:
You felt obliged to defend the governor?

Far from it!

I know what a sensational headline could do

Manabbqgrillz needs to see what his beloved Benue has turned into, soon Usman Dan Fodio's decree will be accomplished in that state like it was done in Kwara.

It's not by being a Reverend o....I'm sure the people know that now. But Nigerian electorates sha..

Father Alia you said what? Self defense is now a crime? State and FG cant stop these killers, yet this man is saying people should not fight back. How long will Benue people be pawns in the Fulani chess game?

I want to ask all those native doctors in Benue and Kogi ,and other parts of Nigeria what do they really use their powers for?I heard middle belt het juju,so can't they use it purposefully to fight this herdsmen?

Can't he start 100 man vigilante per Community

We understand the pain our people are facing, but we must never take the law into our own hands,” Governor Alia stated. “

Oga, you don't understand nothing! I can only agree with you when an immediate member of your family is butchered by the marauders.

Fulanis dey fvck all of una for yansh!

E no go better for all the confra wey dey that state.

Kam2021:
I want to ask all those native doctors in Benue and Kogi ,and other parts of Nigeria what do they really use their powers for?I heard middle belt het juju,so can't they use it purposefully to fight this herdsmen?

Oga, AK 47 machine guns have a habit of not responding to supernatural concepts…

Kam2021:
I want to ask all those native doctors in Benue and Kogi ,and other parts of Nigeria what do they really use their powers for?I heard middle belt het juju,so can't they use it purposefully to fight this herdsmen?

Stand up Comic

Ikinternational:
Stand up Comic

Most people in Benue are CHRISTIANS.

He should be asking why ‘JESUS’ is not saving them.

VnAhunnaPl:
Self defense is a constitutional right.

Sunday Jackson was sentenced to death for self defense
Something is terribly wrong somewhere!