Fresh Horror in Benue: Alia Mourns Victims, Vows Justice After Deadly Saai Attack

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has strongly condemned the attack on Saai community in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area (LGA) of the state and ordered the immediate deployment of security personnel to forestall further attacks on residents.

The directive followed an attack by gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen who invaded Saai in Mbajir community, Katsina-Ala LGA, killing more than 10 people and leaving several others injured.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
The Chairman of Katsina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, confirmed the attack, saying he had visited the community to assess the situation.
He noted that the atmosphere in the area remained highly tense and appealed to residents to remain calm.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, described the attack on Saai community as unfortunate and strongly condemned the incident.
The governor, who said he received the news with a heavy heart, disclosed that the attack claimed several lives while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He alleged that the attack was carried out by terrorists masquerading as herdsmen.
Describing the incident as a “senseless assault on innocent citizens,” Governor Alia said: “This attack is an ugly, cowardly and unacceptable act of violence, particularly coming at a crucial time when our hardworking farmers who have returned to their ancestral lands are cultivating their farms.
“These enemies of progress have chosen to disrupt the peace and food security of our state by targeting the moment when crops are developing and the hope for a bountiful harvest is high.”
He added: “I urge the people of Katsina-Ala and Benue State in general not to be discouraged because this administration remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting your lives and your livelihoods.
“We will not allow the forces of darkness to drive you away from your lands or dampen your spirits. We are building a Benue where peace and justice prevail, and this setback will only strengthen our resolve.”
The governor extended his deepest condolences to families who lost loved ones in the tragedy, saying: “My heart goes out to those who lost their loved ones as well as other victims currently receiving medical attention; we pray for their swift and total recovery. I stand in solidarity with the entire Saai community during this period of immense grief.”
Governor Alia also directed all relevant security agencies to immediately deploy additional personnel to Saai and surrounding communities to prevent further incursions by terrorists and armed herdsmen.
He charged the security agencies to launch a manhunt for the perpetrators of the heinous crime, ensure they are brought to justice, and guarantee the safety of farmers as they cultivate their crops, preventing any further disruption to agricultural activities.
The governor further appealed to residents to remain calm but vigilant and report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest security post, assuring them that “we will not rest until peace is fully restored to every corner of our dear state.”