The ongoing attacks in Benue State have continued to claim lives, with the death toll now reaching 72. The latest fatalities were discovered after a search in the Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, where the violence took place.
In a statement on Sunday, Isaac Uzaan, the Principal Special Assistant (PSA) to the Benue State Governor on Media and Content Creation, confirmed that 13 more bodies had been recovered. This new development brings the number of confirmed deaths to 72. Uzaan explained that 12 bodies were found in Ukum, and one in Logo, with the search continuing for other possible victims in the affected areas.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had earlier acknowledged that 59 bodies were recovered from the attacks, but the toll rose dramatically following the discovery of more bodies scattered across the affected communities. The attacks, which occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning, left many families mourning and shocked at the scale of the violence.
The attacks targeted several rural communities in the Sankera axis, which includes the Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala Local Government Areas. These areas have become notorious for frequent violence, which has now claimed the lives of dozens of innocent residents. The situation remains tense, with many displaced by the violence.
Governor Alia, during his Easter remarks in Makurdi, expressed sorrow at the continuing violence in the state. He acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating that his government would continue to do everything possible to address the security challenges. However, the loss of life in these attacks has sparked widespread anger and frustration among the affected communities and across the state.
The latest attacks have raised serious concerns about the security situation in Benue, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger government action to protect them. The state, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria, has long been plagued by insecurity, with a history of clashes between farmers and herders, as well as attacks by criminal groups. The violence has escalated in recent months, leaving many worried about the future.
The Nigerian police force, in coordination with the state government, has been working to provide security in the affected areas. According to reports from the Benue State Police Command, the initial recovery of 17 bodies on Friday evening included 12 from Logo and five from Ukum. However, this was only the beginning, as more bodies continued to be discovered in the aftermath of the attacks.
Residents have expressed deep concern over the rising violence, with some calling for more immediate and decisive action from both the state and federal governments. The fact that these attacks occurred during the Easter holiday, a time traditionally associated with peace and reflection, has only added to the sense of tragedy and loss.
The authorities have assured the public that investigations are underway to determine the perpetrators of these attacks, but the lack of immediate answers has led to increased anxiety among the people. The state government, in collaboration with security agencies, is intensifying efforts to restore peace to the affected communities and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In the aftermath of the attacks, many survivors have fled their homes, seeking refuge in nearby towns and cities. The displaced persons are in urgent need of food, shelter, and medical assistance. The state government, in partnership with humanitarian organizations, has launched efforts to provide relief to those affected by the violence. However, the scale of the displacement has overwhelmed the available resources, with many people left without adequate support.
The attacks on Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala mark the latest chapter in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Benue in recent years. Over the past decade, the state has witnessed numerous clashes between various ethnic groups, often centered around land disputes and the nomadic movement of herders. The conflict between farmers and herders in particular has been a major driver of violence, with both sides accusing each other of encroaching on their land and resources.
In addition to the farmer-herder clashes, Benue has also been the site of numerous attacks by armed groups, many of whom have links to criminal networks and political interests. These groups often target rural communities, where law enforcement presence is limited, and where civilians are vulnerable to attack. The attacks in the Sankera axis are believed to be part of a broader pattern of violence that has escalated in recent months.
The federal government has been under increasing pressure to address the security crisis in the Middle Belt, and particularly in Benue. Calls for stronger security measures, including increased troop deployment and improved intelligence gathering, have grown louder in recent weeks. However, many residents argue that the government’s response has been insufficient and that more needs to be done to protect them from further violence.
In response to the growing crisis, Benue’s leadership has pledged to continue working with the federal government to address the root causes of the violence and improve security across the state. Governor Alia has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the state and federal security agencies to restore peace in the region.
Despite these assurances, many Benue residents remain skeptical, fearing that the ongoing violence will continue to disrupt their lives and livelihoods. The attacks have left deep scars on the affected communities, and rebuilding the social fabric will take time. In the meantime, the people of Benue are left to cope with the aftermath of this senseless violence, mourning the loss of their loved ones and hoping for a brighter future.
As the death toll continues to rise, the people of Benue are calling for justice and for those responsible for these heinous acts to be brought to account. In the face of such tragedy, the need for peace and security in the state has never been more urgent. The road to recovery will be long, but the people of Benue remain hopeful that, with the right support and intervention, they can rebuild their communities and restore peace to their region.
The Benue killings have once again highlighted the fragile security situation in Nigeria, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained approach to resolving the nation’s security challenges. As the search for justice continues, the people of Benue are left grappling with the painful reality of losing so many lives in such a short span of time.
