Benue Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has condemned the attack on Abande, Kwande Local Council by armed herders on Tuesday, a day marking the state’s 50th creation anniversary.
 
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, yesterday in Makurdi, the governor described the onslaught as a “cowardly act of terror.” 

An earlier statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had confirmed the death of one officer and several civilian casualties.

“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a violent attack carried out by suspected armed bandits on police personnel and residents of Abande Community, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State.”

During the ensuing confrontation, while police operatives were responding to the distress call, one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to 13 Police Mobile Force (PMF), Makurdi, who was on a special duty at Abande Community, was fatally injured during the attack.
 
“Regrettably, four members of the community also lost their lives as a result of the attack by the bandits,” it read in part.

MEANWHILE, Governor Caleb Mutfwang has said Plateau State’s golden jubilee creation is a call to spiritual renewal, collective repentance, and prophetic alignment with God’s purpose.

He spoke during a special prayer service to mark the celebration at the Praise Chapel, Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Represented by his deputy, Ngo Josephine Chundung Piyo, the governor said the Prophetic Prayers and Praise Service is not just an event, but a sacred moment to pause, reflect, give thanks and seek divine direction as the state marks its 50 years of existence.

Delivering the golden jubilee’s sermon, the State CAN Chairman, Rev. (Dr.) Dunka Gomwalk charged the citizens to understand what God wants for them, describing Plateau as the spare bone of revival in Nigeria.

Earlier, the Chaplain, Chapel Grace, Government House, Rev. Benjamin Nadabo, highlighted the significance of the celebration, urging the people of the state to reflect on the successes and achievements in the last 50 years to appreciate God.