Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State declared full military action to address the menace of armed bandits terrorizing the Sankera axis of the state. This comes after bandits attacked Ayati community in the Borikyo Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area, resulting in the murder of several residents. The incident sparked an angry protest that escalated into the destruction of properties.
According to a report by Vanguard, in a live broadcast from Makurdi, Governor Alia expressed sympathy for the victims and condemned the bandits' actions. He outlined the government's efforts to combat banditry, noting that security agencies have neutralized two bandits and recovered motorcycles, pistols, a Toyota Camry, a commercial tricycle, and charms.
Alia explained that the bandits retaliated by attacking Ayati, killing six civilians in revenge for the community's alleged cooperation with security forces. The subsequent protests by grieving families and community members were hijacked by criminals, leading to widespread mayhem in Sankera.
The governor assured residents that full military intervention has been ordered, and he praised the bravery of the three soldiers and two police officers wounded in the line of duty. He stressed the importance of constructive actions over destructive protests and reaffirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring the safety of all Benue State residents.
Governor Alia called on youths involved in criminal activities to cease their actions, warning that the government would no longer tolerate their behavior. He announced plans to establish a commission of inquiry to investigate the causes of the violence and reiterated his commitment to ending these disruptive activities.
The Governor said, “Let me for the last time extend our hands of fellowship to all our youths who have chosen to reside in the forests and continually launch attacks on innocent citizens that my government has ran out of patience and shall no longer guarantee the olive leaf branch extended to them.”