Media reports of herdsmen attack in Tarka false- SGF

By Dooyum Naadzenga

The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, has described as false, reports about an alleged attack by herdsmen in the Wannune Community of Tarka Local Government Area, Benue State.

The reports claimed that multiple people were killed in an assault that supposedly occurred barley 48 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to the state to discuss security issues.

A statement by the Special Advisor, Media and Public Affairs to the SGF, Terrence Kuanum, a copy of which was made available to the Daily Times says, “in reality, the tragic event involved the assassination of Mr. Aondoakaa Yaiyol, a former Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka and a Commander of the Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services. Yaiyol was murdered on Friday night by unidentified assailants. The circumstances surrounding his death indicate a targeted killing rather than a communal clash”.

The Benue State Police Command has corroborated this information, confirming that there was no attack by armed herders as previously reported. Law enforcement is actively investigating the incident, focusing on identifying those responsible for Yaiyol’s death and bringing them to justice.

The Secretary to the Government emphasized the need for accurate reporting and urged media outlets to verify information before publishing. He expressed concern that sensationalized narratives have caused unnecessary fear among the residents of Tarka and nearby communities.

To reassure the public, the Secretary affirmed that the government is committed to restoring peace and security in the region. He highlighted President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to address the prevailing security challenges and urged citizens to support these initiatives.

As the investigation continues, officials are calling on community members to remain vigilant and calm. They stress that the government is taking the situation seriously and is dedicated to ensuring the safety of all citizens in the area.

In light of these developments, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation remains committed to providing accurate information and maintaining open lines of communication with the public.