Death toll rises: Benue Gov assures corps members of safety amid fresh attack

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured corps members of safety amid renewed killings in different parts of the state.

The governor, speaking through Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development and Creativity, Mr. Terkimbi Ikyange, promised adequate security throughout their service year.

He addressed corps members during their orientation, held at the NYSC camp, while commending their commitment to national unity and service.

Governor Alia admitted the state faces insecurity challenges but emphasized that corps members’ protection remains a top priority of his administration’s agenda.

“We are working closely with all security agencies to protect corps members’ lodges and areas of deployment across the state,” he stated.

Earlier, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM ),  reported that suspected Herdsmen launched an attacked on Thursday April 24, which have left many devastated.

Alia’s assurance followed this fresh attack by gunmen who killed at least 10 persons in Igbobi community, Apa Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses said the gunmen invaded the village around 11:00 p.m., opened fire, killed several people, and set many houses ablaze.

The residents fled their homes, while local vigilantes searched for survivors and missing persons across bushes and surrounding settlements in the area.

No official statement has been released by the police, and no arrest has been confirmed as of the time of filing.

Meanwhile, Governor Alia urged corps members to embrace the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED, programme for long-term personal empowerment.

He described SAED as a gateway to financial independence and a tool to contribute meaningfully to national economic transformation and development.

“The same gifts and abilities that brought you this far will help build the future of our great country,” he said.

Also speaking, NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Veronica Garba, appreciated the government and people of Benue for their support and hospitality.

She encouraged corps members to participate fully in all orientation activities, especially physical fitness and skills acquisition sessions during the camp.

She noted that the orientation programme involves four main pillars—intellectual development, recreational activities, physical training, and vocational skill-building opportunities.

Justice Peter Ukande, representing Chief Judge Maurice Ikpambeae, administered the oath of allegiance to 1,600 corps members at the ceremony.

The NYSC orientation officially commenced under tight security arrangements, with military and police personnel stationed around the camp’s perimeter.

Security has since been heightened in nearby communities as state authorities intensify surveillance and response to the ongoing insecurity in Benue.

Local leaders have called on the federal government to increase support and funding for security operations within volatile areas of the state.

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