Alia bemoans killing of six cashew farmers in Apa

The Police Command in Benue says terrorists on Friday attacked cashew farmers in Asaba, Ojantele, and Okpette communities in Apa Local Government Area, LGA, of the state and killed six people.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, confirmed the killings on Saturday in a statement made available to newsmen in Makurdi.

Udeme said the farmers were reportedly working on their farms when the assailants launched the attack.

The police stated that joint security teams comprising operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the military, and local youths from the affected communities immediately mobilized into the forest to carry out search and rescue operations.

“At the end of the initial operation, six lifeless bodies were recovered; efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents in the affected communities,” she added.

Meanwhile, Gov. Hyacinth Alia has condemned the senseless and tragic terrorists’ attack on Akpete and Asaba communities in Ojantele Ward of Apa Local Government Area.

The governor expressed deep sorrow over the report that the terrorists ambushed the innocent farmers in Asaba and Akpete while returning from their cashew farms.

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He said the brutal attack claimed lives, six others are missing and a young girl was abducted.

The governor described the incident as a terrorist act that was unacceptable and a painful reminder of the security challenges confronting peaceful farming communities in the state.

“How can you come in and attack a people who were simply pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood?

“My people are hard-working farmers and do not deserve such a cruel fate. I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms.

“The killing of innocent Benue citizens going about their daily farm work is an assault on our shared humanity and will not be tolerated,” he said.

Alia further sympathised with Apa Council, the affected communities and the families of the victims over their painful losses.

The governor assured them that the state government stands firmly with them in this difficult moment.

He disclosed that he had directed security agencies to intensify operations in the area to track down the perpetrators of the attack and rescue the abducted girl and those still missing.

Alia said every effort was being put in place to ensure that those responsible for the atrocity are brought to justice.

The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, adding that no community in the state will be abandoned.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the faithful departed and asked God to grant their families the strength to bear their painful losses.

“Do not lose hope. My administration is working closely with security agencies and community leaders to strengthen protection around vulnerable areas.

“We will not waver until our people are safe and can return to their fields without fear,” he said

NAN