Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attack on communities in Ukum Local Government Area and commended security agencies for their swift response.*
In a statement on Sunday, August 16, 2026, by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor said terrorists masquerading as herdsmen invaded Mbaterem in Ayaba, Ikpur, Yina, Aboajio and Ukpen communities of Mbazun Ward in the early hours of Sunday, killing some residents and injuring others.
Governor Alia condoled with families of those killed and wished the injured quick recovery. He vowed to continue giving necessary support to security agencies to protect the state.
He warned those seeking to undermine the peace process in Benue, saying: “Benue lands for Benue people. Anyone who thinks attacking us will intimidate us to leave the land is making a mistake.”
“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 said.
The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.
“This is the only way we can be able to effectively tackle these criminals,” he said.
Governor Alia charged security agencies to continue mounting guard in strategic areas across the state to confront those he described as enemies of the state.
He assured the people that his administration would not relent in efforts to protect lives and property in Benue State.
