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Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has blamed recent deadly attacks across several communities in the state on foreign armed militants. Speaking on a televised interview on April 22, he said the attackers, who arrived on motorbikes in large numbers, were heavily armed and not Nigerians.
“These men are not from here,” he said. “They don’t speak our language, and their version of Hausa is different. Locals say they are from Mali and other foreign regions.”
Governor Alia revealed that 73 people have been confirmed dead in the most recent attacks on communities in Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala local government areas, with additional assaults reported in Kwande, Guma, and Gwer West.
He described the attackers as coordinated and well-equipped with AK-47s, AK-49s, and machetes. They reportedly travel in groups of hundreds on motorcycles, often with three to four people per bike.
“These terrorists are not just attacking — they’re occupying land,” Alia warned. “They drive residents away and settle in these areas, turning them into bases for further violence. Some LGAs have been under their control for over 15 years.”
He also said the invaders are destroying food supplies and livestock, targeting the region’s food security. “They open food barns, cut yams, guinea corn, and maize, and feed them to their cows,” he said.
The governor emphasized the need for stronger local defense and urged the Federal Government to establish special security outposts at border areas. He also called for legal support for community-based protection forces, as existing security agencies are overstretched.
“Our people are asking for the right to protect their land,” he said. “They’re not talking about taking the law into their own hands — they want support to defend their communities.”