The Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Alia has expressed sadness over the unprovoked attacks on Anwase community in Kwande Local Government Area Benue State, where about 11 innocent residents were gruesomely murdered by suspected Fulani herdsmen.
The tragic slaughter of 11 people on Christmas Day in Benue State, has sparked widespread outrage and concern. Reports indicate that suspected herdsmen attacked a village in the state’s rural area, killing the victims and injuring several others. The attack is believed to be linked to ongoing conflicts between farmers and herders in the region, a long-standing issue that has escalated in recent years, leading to numerous fatalities.
The victims, many of whom were reported to be from the local farming community, were killed in what some describe as a brutal assault. The attack occurred during a period of heightened tensions and celebrations, adding to the shock and grief of the local population.
Reacting to the development in a statement by his media aide, Tersoo Kula, the governor expressed worry that such a heinous act has continued in the state despite the efforts of his administration to ensure the safety of his people.
He, however, vowed that the perpetrator of the dastardly act will be brought to book, saying “they will pay dearly for it”.
The Benue State government, alongside security forces, condemned the attack and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident has also drawn condemnation from human rights groups and Nigerians across the country, calling for more robust measures to address the herder-farmer clashes and prevent further violence.
Benue State, often referred to as one of the epicenters of the herder-farmer conflict in Nigeria, has experienced numerous such attacks over the years, leaving many families displaced and creating a cycle of violence that has proven difficult to resolve. The Christmas Day massacre has reignited calls for greater security and urgent intervention to address the root causes of the conflict.
