By David Okoh
Benue State gubernatorial hopeful Dr. Simon Ater has condemned the renewed wave of killings in the state, describing the attacks as “one tragedy too many” while charging Governor Hyacinth Alia to place the security of citizens above festivities.
The condemnation follows the Saturday assault on Achakpa community in Agan, Makurdi Local Government Area, where armed herdsmen ambushed villagers at their farms. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of September 20 along the North Bank–Lafia road, left at least three people dead, including Tor Felafa, his son, and Francis Kulegwa, a senior choir master of Daudu Mission in the Catholic Diocese of Makurdi. Several others were abducted, while many remain unaccounted for.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants struck after monitoring farm activities in the area, a pattern consistent with recent attacks on farming communities. In the wake of the killings, angry villagers barricaded the busy Makurdi–Abuja highway at the Camp Garba–Atson–Abagena IDP Camp axis, halting traffic for hours as they demanded justice and protection.
Ater, reacting to the development, expressed deep grief and outrage, recalling that the tragedy comes just weeks after more than 200 lives were lost in Yelwata.
“It is heartbreaking that just a few kilometers away from Yelwata where over 200 of our brothers and sisters were massacred, fresh blood has been spilled again in Achakpa. How much more suffering must our people endure before decisive action is taken?” he asked.
He accused the Alia administration of insensitivity, faulting the government’s preparations for an October carnival at a time when communities are under siege.
“At a time when our people are mourning, when children are being orphaned and families displaced, this government is shamelessly preparing to host a carnival. This is not only an insult to the dead, but also a betrayal of the living who now live in fear every day,” he declared.
Ater warned that insecurity on major routes leading to Makurdi was worsening, leaving commuters stranded and vulnerable as protests continue. He reminded the government of its foremost duty to protect lives and property, insisting that “Benue must be liberated from these ceaseless bloodbaths.”
“The Governor must rise to the occasion, marshal all necessary resources, and demonstrate the political will to stop these evil acts. The time for excuses is over our people cannot continue to die while the government looks the other way,” he said.
Reaffirming his 2027 governorship ambition, Ater pledged to restore peace and dignity to Benue if given the mandate.
“We must reclaim our state from the grip of fear. Our people must be liberated. This is one tragedy too many and it must stop,” he concluded.
