Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia says the death toll from latest gunmen attacks on some communities in Logo and Ukum local government areas has risen to 56
The governor disclosed this yesterday when he made an assessment tour of some of the affected communities.
“Today, I visited the grieving communities of Ukum and Logo LGAs where our people have fallen victim to senseless and barbaric attacks by suspected herdsmen. As of this moment, we mourn the loss of 56 innocent souls: fathers, mothers, children, cut down in cold blood.
“This is unacceptable.
“I have called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene and take decisive action to put an end to these attacks. Our people deserve to live in peace, farm in peace, and raise their families without fear.
“I met with local leaders, community members, and victims. I heard your pain. I saw your strength. And I assure you, you are not alone. We will not abandon you. We are already reinforcing security in the Sankera axis and other parts of Benue, and emergency relief is being extended to affected areas.
“I strongly urge our people to remain calm and not take laws into their own hands. The path to peace is hard, but it is the only way forward!
“Since these attacks started, we have recovered corpses. As of yesterday (Friday), we received some, and today (Saturday), the tally rose to 27 in Logo.
“In Ukum, security operatives have recovered over 28 corpses.
“Some families requested to conduct immediate burial for their relatives, and the security personnel provided them with cover to do so’.
Describing the development in the state as real war, the governor said, ‘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’.
Alia commended security agencies for all their sacrifices in ensuring that there is peace in the state and called on the Federal Government to assist his administration with the necessary support to end the killings and displacement of innocent citizens in the state.
Meanwhile, chairman of Ukum Local Government area Jonathan Modi, has imposed a 24 hour curfew in the troubled area after youths protested the attacks and killings in Gbagir and Ityuuluv on Thursday by suspected herdsmen.
Jonathan stated that the curfew became necessary to allow security personnel bring the unfortunate situation under control.
