The Benue State Government has pledged to bring to justice those responsible for the brutal attack on Okpomaju, a community in Otukpo Local Government Area, where heavily armed assailants struck on Wednesday night, leaving five people dead, eight missing, and several others injured.
Deputy Governor Dr. Sam Ode, who visited the scene on Thursday for an on-the-spot assessment, condemned the attack and assured residents of swift government action. Speaking on behalf of Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, he vowed that the perpetrators would not go unpunished.
“I promise that none of those who committed this heinous act will go free. The state government will take all necessary actions to ensure they are apprehended,” Dr. Ode declared.
To bolster security in the area, a military patrol team has been deployed, and plans are underway to establish a permanent military operational base. The Deputy Governor also led a State Emergency Management Team to assess the needs of displaced residents and coordinate relief efforts.
Confirming the attack, Lt. Col. Salisu Inusa, Sector Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), Otukpo, stated that security forces responded swiftly, preventing further casualties. A gun truck has since been stationed in the community to restore confidence among residents.
Meanwhile, community youth leader Mr. Onyilokwu Agaba, who lost his younger brother in the assault, described the attack as a coordinated ambush that lasted about 30 minutes.
With tensions running high, the government has assured citizens that no effort will be spared in tracking down the perpetrators and restoring lasting peace to Okpomaju and surrounding communities.
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