*Governor Hyacinth Alia Leads Top Security Officials to Yalewata Following Deadly Attacks in Benue State* Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, led a high-level delegation including the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to Yelwata in Guma Local Government Area on Monday. This visit came in the wake of a recent deadly attack by suspected armed herdsmen that left dozens dead and many more displaced. The attack occurred late on Friday night, June 13, 2025, and continued into the early hours of Saturday. Reports confirmed at least 59 residents were killed, with some estimates suggesting the death toll could be higher as rescue efforts continue. The violence also claimed the lives of two soldiers and a member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with several others injured. Over 6,500 people, including women, children, and the elderly, have been forced to flee their homes and are now living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. During the visit, General Musa expressed frustration over the ongoing violence and emphasized the need for a collaborative approach between the military, the state government, and local communities to end the attacks. Governor Alia welcomed the presence of the top security officials, noting that the increased deployment of security personnel would make a significant difference in restoring peace. IGP Egbetokun reassured residents of a strengthened police presence and appealed for community cooperation, stressing that local knowledge is vital in tackling the security challenges. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported that among the displaced are 82 pregnant women, 252 lactating mothers, and 657 children under the age of 18. Medical teams have urgently called for blood donations and humanitarian assistance to support those injured and affected by the crisis. President Bola Tinubu has directed the service chiefs to take all necessary measures to restore peace in the region and is scheduled to visit Benue State on Wednesday to engage with stakeholders and assess the situation firsthand. The attack has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the Pope Leo XIV, who described the killings as a “terrible massacre,” as well as prominent Nigerian figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and musician 2Baba. In response to the violence, youths in Makurdi staged protests demanding stronger government action. Community leaders have called for enhanced collaboration with security agencies and urged residents to provide information that could help prevent future attacks. Security officials have announced plans to review and strengthen operational strategies in Benue and neighboring states. Additional tactical teams have been deployed, and senior officers have been assigned to oversee efforts to restore peace. The government’s commitment to ending the violence is clear, but authorities continue to call on communities to cooperate fully in this critical time. The visit by Governor Alia, General Musa, IGP Egbetokun, and other security chiefs highlights the seriousness of the crisis in Benue State. While the situation remains tense, the combined efforts of the government, security agencies, and local communities offer hope for a return to peace and stability in the state. _*Premium Reporters*_