The Governor of Benue State, Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has described the attack on Sai, a community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens.”
15 persons are said to have been killed in a July 1 attack on the Sai community, with scores wounded by men believed to be the armed wing of cattle owners.
Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, says in a statement that the governor received with heavy heart the reports of the attack on Sai community.
“This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly coming at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers who have returned to their ancestral lands are cultivating their farms.
“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,” Sir Kula quoted the governor as saying.
Fr. Alia extends his deepest condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in the tragedy, adding that his “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.”
“I urge the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting your lives and your 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,” the governor stated.
He requested security agencies, in addition to deploying additional personnel to Sai and surrounding communities, to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime to ensure they are brought to face the wrath of the law.
