Special forces have started arriving in Benue State following a wave of violent attacks that have left several communities in fear. Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed this development in a public statement on Sunday, noting that a mix of tactical teams and rapid response units from federal security agencies are now on ground to help improve safety and restore calm.
The governor’s statement, issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, confirmed that these deployments are aimed at protecting the most at-risk areas. He described the current security situation as alarming and condemned the killings in Yelwata, where suspected armed herdsmen were said to have launched deadly attacks on innocent residents.
“I acknowledge and share in your pains and grief caused by these attacks on the community by criminal elements suspected to be armed herdsmen,” Alia stated.
He also noted that the state government has been in regular contact with top security officials at the federal level, as well as traditional rulers and local leaders, to find lasting solutions to the ongoing crisis. According to him, the goal is to improve security responses and ensure people feel safe in their communities again.
The governor disclosed that more teams are expected to arrive in the coming days, and community-focused efforts such as local dialogue and intelligence sharing are ongoing. The government is also strengthening its joint operations units to enhance coordination and quick action in emergencies.
“We assure citizens that more tactical teams have started arriving in Benue from the Federal Government, and additional security deployments are being arranged for vulnerable areas,” Alia added.
He urged religious, traditional, and political figures to help steer the youth away from unlawful behavior, warning that such actions could make the situation worse.
Governor Alia also encouraged residents to report suspicious behavior using the right channels and to rely on trusted sources for news and updates.
He confirmed that Deputy Governor Sam Ode had visited Yelwata to meet with the affected residents and offer the government’s support. Alia gave his word that efforts to secure the state will not slow down.
