Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has warned communities in the state facing attacks from suspected Fulani herdsmen against resorting to self-help.
Alia gave this warning while addressing journalists after the Good Friday Mass at Holy Ghost Parish in Makurdi, the state capital.
This was as he confirmed the killing of 5 people in Ukum Local Government Area while also reacting to the suspected herdsmen attacks on the Sankera axis of the state, which the police said claimed 17 lives.
The governor assured residents that the state government, in conjunction with the Office of the National Security Adviser, is developing a strategic plan to end the killings by suspected invaders.
The Catholic priest-turned politician, while condemning the attacks on Benue communities, urged residents to remain vigilant and to volunteer timely information to security agencies.
According to him, the prompt response in Ukum was made possible by early intelligence, which helped prevent an even more devastating outcome.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, Sewuese Anene, said information was received that a large number of suspected militia had invaded the Sankera axis of the state and the police moved in to engage the militia in Gbagir, where they had killed five persons.
She said while the Gbagir operation was ongoing, another group of militia simultaneously attacked the neighbouring Logo Local Government Area, killing 12 people and bringing the total death toll in the area to 17.
