Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has directed security operatives to rescue a young girl abducted during a deadly attack in communities within Apa Local Government Area and to intensify efforts to locate other residents still missing after the incident.

The governor issued the directive following a violent assault on farmers in the Akpete and Asaba axis of the council area, where suspected armed herders reportedly invaded the communities on Friday.

Residents said the attackers stormed the area while farmers were working on cashew farms, triggering panic and casualties among villagers who had gone out to harvest cashew seeds.

While locals claimed that at least 15 people were killed in the attack, the Nigeria Police Force earlier confirmed that six bodies had been recovered from the affected communities.

In a statement released on Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kula Terso, the governor described the assault on farmers from Ojantelle, Asaba and Akpete as a “terrorist act” and condemned the killings in strong terms.

According to the statement, the victims had gone to harvest cashew seeds when the attackers struck, leaving several people dead, others missing, and a young girl abducted.

Alia lamented that the victims were simply pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood when they were attacked.

“How can you come in and attack a people who were simply pursuing their legitimate means of livelihood? My people are hardworking farmers and do not deserve such a cruel fate,” the governor said.

He added that the killing of innocent citizens going about their daily farm work was unacceptable and constituted an assault on shared humanity.

“I condemn this heinous act in the strongest possible terms. The killing of innocent Benue citizens going about their daily farm work will not be tolerated,” he said.

The governor expressed sympathy with the affected communities and families of the victims, assuring them that the state government stands firmly with them in this difficult time.

He disclosed that security agencies had been directed to intensify operations in the area to track down the perpetrators of the attack.

Alia also instructed security operatives to rescue the abducted girl and conduct thorough searches for other villagers reported missing after the incident.

He urged residents not to lose hope, noting that his administration was working closely with security agencies and community leaders to strengthen protection in vulnerable communities.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and promised that those responsible for the attack would be brought to justice.

“We will not waver until our people are safe and can return to their fields without fear,” Alia said.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of those who lost their lives and for strength and comfort for the families affected by the tragedy.