By Daniel Aondoaseer Zendesha 

Governor Hyacinth Alia has called for calm, unity and dialogue following renewed attacks in communities within Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, saying the government will continue to deploy security personnel while pursuing peaceful measures to restore normalcy.

Governor Hyacinth Alia made the appeal during a visit to the palace of the Och'Idoma in Otukpo, where he addressed concerns over the recent attacks reported in Otukpo-Nobi, Akpachi, Ondo and Ugboju communities.

The governor's visit comes after reports that more than a dozen residents were killed in separate attacks across parts of Otukpo Local Government Area within the last 48 hours. Authorities are yet to release an official casualty figure.

Addressing traditional leaders and residents, Alia urged citizens not to retaliate or destroy property in response to the attacks.

"We also don't have a need to take laws into our hands and get onto the streets to burn down establishments, either churches or mosques," the governor said.

He added that security personnel had already been deployed to affected areas.

"We'll continue to dispatch our security. They were around since yesterday, in Ugboju, just to ensure that peace returns through dialogue to the table."

The governor also cautioned against political incitement, particularly as political activities ahead of future elections gather momentum.

"When politicking comes in... a number of people get excited and they incite people to do very ugly things that are very inimical to their own very brothers and sisters and parents."

Calling for unity, Alia urged residents to embrace peaceful coexistence.

"When we talk as brothers, when we reason together as residents... and work towards what would bring us together rather than what would divide us, it makes us stronger."

He concluded by reiterating his administration's commitment to dialogue alongside ongoing security efforts.

"Let us not take laws into our hands; we'll continue to dialogue until peace returns to our table."

The renewed attacks have heightened concerns over security in Benue communities, with residents calling for stronger protection and lasting solutions.