Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the early morning attack on the Saai community in Mbajir ward, Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, describing the incident as a "senseless assault on innocent citizens" and ordering the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the area.
The attack, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1, 2026, left an unspecified number of people dead and many others injured. The assailants, described as terrorists masquerading as herdsmen, allegedly struck while residents were preparing for the day's farming activities, a timing the governor described as a deliberate attempt to disrupt agricultural production and threaten food security in the state.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, Governor Alia expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragedy, extending his condolences to the families who lost loved ones and praying for the swift recovery of those receiving medical attention. "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 said.
Governor Alia described the attack as "ugly, cowardly and unacceptable," noting that it came at a critical time when farmers had returned to their ancestral lands to cultivate crops. "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," he stated. He urged the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State not to be discouraged, reaffirming his administration's commitment to protecting lives and 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," he said.
The governor issued a direct order to all relevant security agencies to deploy additional personnel to Saai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions, launch a manhunt for the perpetrators to ensure they are brought to justice, and guarantee the safety of farmers as they tend to their crops. He called on citizens to remain calm but vigilant and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post, adding: "We will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state."
As of the time of this report, no official casualty figures had been released, and security forces had not issued a statement on the ongoing operations. The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Benue State, where farming communities have repeatedly come under assault from armed groups, threatening livelihoods and deepening the humanitarian crisis in the North-Central region.
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