In a chilling update on the recent massacre in Benue State, Governor Hyacinth Alia has revealed that the heavily armed gunmen responsible for the killings came in large numbers and are now believed to be moving towards Lafia in neighboring Nasarawa State.
Governor Alia, speaking during an interview with Arise News on Monday evening, disclosed that the attackers infiltrated Benue through a nearby river before launching a violent assault that began with a direct confrontation against Nigerian military and police personnel stationed in the area.
“It lasted for two hours. There is a military checkpoint and police presence as well. They came through the river, which is close to the area, and launched a surprise attack,” Governor Alia stated.
According to the governor, the assailants initially targeted security operatives in a coordinated strike, triggering an intense gun battle. Despite being pushed back, the gunmen regrouped and turned their weapons on civilians, leaving scores dead in their wake.
Governor Alia, who is also a Catholic priest, emphasized the scale of the threat, noting that the attackers came in “huge numbers” and were “heavily armed.” He added that after the encounter in Benue, intelligence reports now suggest the attackers are shifting towards Lafia, intensifying fears of further violence.
“This place shares a border with Nasarawa State. After being pushed back by security forces, they are now heading in that direction,” he warned.
The governor’s revelation has sparked urgent calls for increased military surveillance and inter-state coordination to prevent further bloodshed in the volatile Middle Belt region.
The federal government is yet to issue an official statement on the development. Meanwhile, residents along the Benue-Nasarawa border have been advised to remain vigilant as tension escalates.
