Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Monday night, cried out over the level of carnage in his state.
NATIONAL POST had reported that herdsmen continued their mayhem in the state, killing and maiming scores in two local government areas in the state.
Confirming the incidents in a post on his social media page, the governor said his heart was heavy.
He described the killings as unacceptable and vowed that he would not sit idle and watch such mayhem visited on his people.
“It is with a heavy heart that I confirm the loss of 23 innocent lives; 12 in Apa and 11 in Gwer West Local Government Areas, due to brutal and unprovoked attacks.
“These killings are unacceptable, and as your Governor, I will not sit idle while our communities are turned into killing fields.
“Following an emergency security council meeting this morning at Government House, I have ordered joint security forces to immediately move into the affected areas and beyond. Their mission is clear: stop the violence, sweep the communities, and restore peace,” he declared.
Alia further stated that the government stands firmly with every grieving family and displaced resident.
“We are mobilizing every available resource to protect lives and bring those responsible for these heinous acts to justice.
“More updates will follow as our security teams are on the ground.
“I urge all citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security operatives as they carry out their duty,” he pleaded.
Our correspondent reports that apart from killings, incidents of kidnappings have also worsened in the state.
Just yesterday, Monday, youths in Owukpa blocked the Enugu-Otukpo Road protesting the abduction of traders returning from Orie Orba Market in Enugu State.
The kidnappers have called family members of the victims, demanding N14 million ransom.