Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised the alarm over unapproved visits to the state, warning that his administration cannot guarantee the safety of any individual or group who enters the state without prior notice.

The warning was contained in a statement released on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, under the heading: “Notice Regarding Unscheduled Visit to Benue State.”

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In the statement, Governor Alia stressed that he was not expecting any “August visitor” and disclosed that his schedule was currently occupied with “high-profile meetings with key state actors to discuss critical issues affecting our state.”

The governor advised that any person or group planning to visit Benue, especially those whose presence could spark political gatherings, should obtain official clearance before making such trips.

“For anyone considering a visit to Benue State without the Governor’s knowledge, it is imperative to reconsider such plans, as the safety and security of individuals in this regard cannot be guaranteed,” the statement warned.

Governor Alia also addressed those intending to visit Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in the state, stating that prior approval must be sought and obtained from the Benue State Emergency Management Agency (BSEMA).

The statement further urged both security operatives and members of the public to remain vigilant and uphold peace across the state.

The wave of deadly attacks in Plateau State has continued unabated, with at least 40 people confirmed dead following a fresh assault on Zike community in Kimakpa, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area.

The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, left dozens of residents dead and several others with gunshot wounds. .According to local sources, gunmen stormed the community and opened fire indiscriminately on people fleeing for safety.

A community leader, Wakili Tongwe, confirmed the incident in a phone interview with Channels Television.

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He explained that he, along with a team of vigilantes and some security operatives, had been patrolling another area when the attackers struck.

“The attackers invaded the village in the early hours of Monday and shot sporadically at residents who were scampering for safety after hearing gunshots,” Tongwe said.

He added that although security personnel and vigilantes engaged the assailants and eventually repelled them, the attackers had already caused significant loss of life.

“About thirty-six persons were shot dead and four others died later,” he said.

Several other victims who sustained gunshot wounds are currently receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.

Monday’s attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have rocked Plateau State in recent months.

Less than two weeks ago, a similar assault in communities across Bokkos Local Government Area left 52 people dead.

For years, Plateau State has struggled with violence rooted in land and resource disputes, often between farmers and herders. However, authorities believe the recent pattern of attacks points to something far more coordinated.

Governor Caleb Muftwang, reacting to the rising spate of killings, described the violence as an act of terrorism targeting the state’s population.

“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

“The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.”

The governor also raised concerns over the growing occupation of communities by armed groups.

“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom local governments,” Muftwang said.

“They have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy.”

In response to the growing insecurity, the Federal Government has vowed to clamp down on the perpetrators.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the immediate deployment of tactical units to the affected areas to restore peace.

Despite repeated government pledges, the cycle of violence in Plateau shows no sign of ending.

Over 200 people were killed during a Christmas Day attack in December 2023, while at least 40 others lost their lives in a similar incident in Wase last May.

A large crowd of women on Monday marched through the streets of Port Harcourt in a show of solidarity with the Federal Government’s decision to impose emergency rule in Rivers State.

The demonstrators, all dressed in white, carried placards bearing strong messages of support, including: “Prosecute the Bombers of Rivers Assembly” and “State of Emergency is Constitutional”.

The women sang solidarity songs and chanted slogans as they moved along key routes in the state capital, voicing approval for President Bola Tinubu’s recent intervention.

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Their march signaled public endorsement for the appointment of retired naval officer Ibok-Ete Ibas, who is now overseeing the state’s affairs as sole administrator following the suspension of the elected government.

Monday’s protest also highlighted the division among citizens over the political crisis, coming just days after an opposing group of women staged a demonstration on April 11, where they called on ex-Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Muhammadu Buhari, and Goodluck Jonathan to step in and push for the return of democratic governance.

The emergency rule in Rivers was declared on March 18 by President Tinubu, following weeks of escalating political tensions.

The action led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial six-month period.

Since then, Ibas has been tasked with managing the state’s affairs as the government works to resolve the crisis.