By: Titus Akor, Makurdi.

Benue State Governor Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has expressed grief over the attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju by suspected armed herders in the early hours of Tuesday.

In a Press Statement signed by Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Tuesday and made available to Journalists disclosed that the bandits must pay for their crime against the peaceful people of the state.

The Governor appreciated the Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police under the workaholic watch of CP Cletus CN Nwadiogbu for their quick response, which resulted in the neutralization of two armed bandits in the area suspected to have taken part in the unfortunate incident.

Scores of persons murdered, with many others sustaining various degrees of injury, as suspected armed herdsmen launched yet another attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA of Benue State.

Following reports of the incident, men of the Benue State Police Command deployed their men to trace the armed bandits.

A fire exchange occurred as the police closed in on the bandits, and, two of the bandits who were apparently manned to provide cover for the others to escape got neutralized.

The Governor insisted that his administration will continue to support the security agencies to ensure those who attack the state are spoken to in the language they understand.

“Benue land is for Benue people. Those who think they can come and push the people away and takeover should think twice.

“Our people are peaceful, hardworking and peaceful. I was elected to protect them, and I must do everything legitimately possible to ensure my people are protected, and our land is secured” Alia insisted.