Byline: Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The death toll from recent attacks in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State has risen to 56, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed.
On Saturday, April 19, Alia visited the affected areas for an on-the-spot assessment and to commiserate with victims’ families.
During the visit, Alia reported 56 bodies recovered in Ugondo (Logo LGA) and Tyuluv and Gbagir (Ukum LGA) following coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen.
“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,” he noted. At Ugba IDP camp, Alia urged the Federal Government to provide support to end the killings and displacement of innocent citizens.
Alia expressed sympathy, promising to cover burial and medical costs for victims. “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,” the statement read.
Hon. Solomon Wombo, representing Logo, Ukum, and Katsina-Ala Federal Constituency, highlighted the crisis, stating, “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.”
Wombo noted that 18 of his constituency’s 35 council wards are controlled by bandits, impacting Benue’s food production. He added, “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.”
Wombo urged federal intervention, saying, “Right now we need an intervention from the federal government in terms of sending in security forces that are more determined to solve the situation.” He referenced a prior motion for military bases in the area, which has stalled.
Clement Kav, Logo LGA Chairman, and Chief Peter Iorhuna, Mue Ter Ugondo, thanked Alia for his swift response. Alia was joined by heads of security agencies, including the Police Commissioner, DSS, NSCDC, Operation Whirl Stroke, and others.