The death toll from the gunmen’s coordinated attack on several communities in Logo and Ukum local government areas of Benue State has tragically risen to 55, following the latest round of violence that occurred between Thursday and Friday.
The attacks, suspected to be carried out by armed herders, targeted several villages including Ugondo in Logo and Tyuluv, Gbagir, and other parts of Ukum LGA.
Initially, the Benue State Police Command had reported 17 deaths, with five people confirmed dead in Ukum and 12 in Logo. However, during an on-the-spot assessment visit on Saturday, Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed that the death toll had tragically climbed to 55.
Speaking to residents during his visit to the affected communities, the governor revealed that 27 people had been killed in Logo and 28 in Ukum.
"Since these attacks began, we have continued to recover corpses. As of Friday, we received some, and today (Saturday), the tally has risen to 27 in Logo. In Ukum, security operatives have recovered over 28 corpses," Governor Alia stated.
He also noted that some families had been granted permission by security forces to conduct immediate burials for their loved ones. “Some families requested to conduct immediate burials for their relatives, and the security personnel provided them with cover to do so,” the governor said.
In a grim assessment of the situation, Governor Alia declared that Benue State was in the midst of "a real war," one that could not be handled lightly. "There is no room for anyone to sleep with their two eyes closed. This is real war.
We know our enemies. This is the only state that we have. I mourn with you at this very pathetic and sad moment in your lives," he added.
The violence has forced many residents of the affected communities to flee their homes, seeking refuge in Zaki-Biam and Ugba Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. These communities have reportedly been abandoned, leaving their people to take shelter in nearby towns as the killings continue to displace innocent civilians.
Governor Alia commended the sacrifices of the security agencies in the state, but he also called on the Federal Government to provide the necessary support to help end the killings and displacement of citizens.
“I call on the Federal Government to assist my administration with the necessary support to end the killings and displacement of innocent citizens in the state,” he pleaded.
In his efforts to support the victims, Governor Alia promised to take responsibility for the burial and medical expenses of those affected, including those currently hospitalized due to the attacks.
The situation remains tense as authorities continue to search for the perpetrators, and the people of Benue State are left grappling with the devastating effects of this violent onslaught.