By Ken Kene, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Tuesday visited victims of the recent gunmen attacks in Otukpo Local Government Area who are receiving treatment at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.

The Governor, accompanied by his Deputy, Barr. Sam Ode, and other top government officials, assured the victims that the state government would take full responsibility for their medical bills.

He also commended medical personnel for their prompt response and quality healthcare delivery.

Earlier, Governor Alia paid a condolence visit to the Och’Idoma, His Royal Majesty Dr. John Elaigwu, at the palace in Otukpo to commiserate with the traditional institution over the deadly attacks on Otukpo-Nobi and other affected communities in Benue South Senatorial District.

He condemned the attacks in strong terms and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security across the senatorial district.

The Governor urged residents to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies. 

“Prompt intelligence gathering remains critical to tackling criminality,” he said, while encouraging youths to work hand in hand with security operatives to identify and expose those responsible for the attacks.

Responding, the Och’Idoma said he had been in mourning since the tragic incident, but expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for the visit, describing it as “a great encouragement to the people.”

Dr. Elaigwu commended security agencies for their swift intervention and called for more proactive measures to prevent a recurrence.

The paramount ruler also frowned at the spread of misleading narratives on social media regarding the attacks. He stressed that safeguarding lives and property is a collective responsibility that requires the cooperation of government, security agencies, and the public.

The attacks on Otukpo-Nobi and other communities in Otukpo LGA have claimed several lives and heightened tension in Benue South. 

Governor Alia has in recent weeks intensified security engagements across the state as part of efforts to end persistent attacks on communities.