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.
