From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
The death toll in the latest killings in Ukum and Logo local government areas of Benue State has risen to 56, the state Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has confirmed.
The governor yesterday visited the affected LGAs for an on-the-spot assessment of the recent attacks on the people and commiserated with the communities and victims’ families.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Alia announced that 56 bodies had so far been recovered in Ugondo, Logo and Tyuluv, Gbagir, Ukum LGAs following the coordinated attacks on communities by suspected herdsmen.
As at the time of the visit, the affected communities were said to be deserted while those who fled the areas are currently taking refuge in Zaki-Biam and Ugba IDP camps.
While at Ugba IDP camp, Governor Alia called on the Federal Government to assist his administration with the necessary support to end the senseless killings and displacement of innocent citizens in the state.
He sympathised with the families that lost their loved ones as a result of the attacks with a promise to take care of their burial and medical bills of those in the hospital.
Member representing Logo, Ukum and Katsina-Ala Federal Constituency, Hon. Solomon Wombo lamented the security situation in the area and appealed to the Federal Government to establish a military barrack in the area to protect his constituents from armed herdsmen and bandits.
Wombo said: “We have confirmed the 56 dead bodies that his Excellency spoke about. It is worrisome. From the stories, we were told about the sophistication of the bandits that came and that is what disturbs us a lot. If the bandits are so heavily armed, it becomes a problem for non-state actors to have control of that kind of sophistication. So it’s something that worries us.
“He has called for the support of the Federal Government and that is what I stand for. I presented a motion on this particular issue and I requested for the sitting of military bases where it has happened now and in Shitile in Katsina-Ala LGA. Unfortunately, the processes are slow and we have not been able to achieve that.
“Right now we need an intervention from the Federal Government in terms of sending in security that are more determined to solve the situation.
“My constituency has 35 council wards and about 18 are controlled by bandits and we are the ones that produce food for Benue people. You know the effect of that? So we enjoin His Excellency to appeal to the Federal Government to give Benue more attention than what we have now,” Wombo said.
Chairman, Logo LGC, Mr Clement Kav and Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Peter Iorhuna appreciated the governor for the swift response in coming to identify with them over the attacks.
The governor was accompanied by heads of security agencies in the state, including the Commissioner of Police, DSS, NSCDC, Operation Whirl Stroke, HomeLand Security, and Civil Protection Guards among others.