Gov Alia Condemns Renewed Attack in Benue As Herdsmen Kill Over 10 Residents

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has condemned, strongly, the attack on Saai community, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA), of the State and ordered the prompt security deployment to forestall further attacks on the people.

He orders followed after gunmen suspected to be herdsmen militia attacked Saai, Mbajir community in Katsina-Ala (LGA), of Benue State killing more than 10 people and leaving several others injured.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred early Wednesday morning, July 1, 2026.

The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, has confirmed the attack saying he has gone to the community to assess the incident.

He said the atmosphere of the area was highly tense and and called on the people to be calm.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, has condemned the attack on Saai community describing it as unfortunate.

Alia who said he received the news with heavy heart said the incident left scores dead while many others sustained various degree of injuries.

He said the attack was allegedly carried out by terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.

The Governor who further described the tragedy as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens” said “this attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly coming at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers who have returned to their ancestral lands are cultivating their farms.

“These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high”.

“I urge the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting your lives and your livelihoods.

“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve”.

The Governor extended his deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragedy, saying “My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention; we pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Saai community during this period of immense grief”.

The Governor issues a direct and immediate order to all relevant security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Saai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.

He charged them to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law and to ensure the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops, guaranteeing that no further disruption to agricultural activities occurs.

He called on the citizens to remain calm but vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post, adding that, “we will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state.”