Benue Herdsmen Attacks Leave 56 Dead in Ukum and Logo LGAs

No fewer than 56 people have been confirmed dead in the Benue herdsmen attacks following deadly coordinated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Benue State. The devastating Benue herdsmen attacks occurred on Thursday and Good Friday, displacing hundreds and sparking renewed calls for urgent federal intervention. The horrifying incidents have thrown the affected communities into mourning, with residents fleeing their homes in fear for their lives. The Benue herdsmen attacks are among the deadliest the state has experienced this year, worsening the already fragile security situation in the region.

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Governor Hyacinth Alia Confirms Death Toll and Seeks Federal Support

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Saturday led a delegation of security chiefs on a fact-finding mission to the affected areas of the Benue herdsmen attacks. Speaking from Ugba Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, where many of the survivors had taken refuge, the governor confirmed that 56 bodies had been recovered from communities in Ugondo (Logo LGA), Tyuluv, and Gbagir (Ukum LGA). Governor Alia expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives of the Benue herdsmen attacks and reiterated his administration’s commitment to bringing an end to the bloodshed. He called on the Federal Government to provide immediate support, both militarily and financially, to protect the lives of Benue citizens.

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“We are pleading with the Federal Government to give Benue State the needed support to end these senseless killings and restore peace. Our people are displaced, traumatized, and afraid. They deserve safety and dignity,” he said. The governor further pledged to cover the medical expenses of those injured in the attacks and take responsibility for burial arrangements for the deceased.

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Lawmaker Decries Sophistication of Attackers, Urges Military Base Deployment

Joining the governor during the visit was Hon. Solomon Wombo, who represents Logo/Ukum/Katsina-Ala Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. Wombo confirmed the death toll and expressed concern over the level of sophistication exhibited by the armed herdsmen during the attacks. “What we witnessed and heard from the locals is disturbing. These bandits were not ordinary criminals. They were heavily armed, and this raises questions about how non-state actors can access such weapons,” he lamented. Wombo disclosed that he had earlier presented a motion at the National Assembly, seeking the establishment of military bases in hotspots like Ukum, Logo, and Shitile in Katsina-Ala. However, the process has been sluggish, leaving the region vulnerable. “My constituency has 35 council wards, and 18 of them are now under the control of bandits. These are farming communities that feed Benue. If we lose these areas to insecurity, we risk food shortages across the state,” he warned.

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Traditional Leaders and Council Officials Commend Governor’s Swift Action

The Chairman of Logo LGA, Mr. Clement Ungwachikar, and the traditional ruler of Ugondo, Chief Peter Iorhuna, praised Governor Alia for his quick response and solidarity with the victims of the Benue herdsmen attacks “The governor’s visit is a morale booster. It shows that the government is not abandoning us in our time of need,” said Ungwachikar. They also emphasized the need for coordinated security operations and long-term peacebuilding measures to deter further Benue herdsmen attacks.

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Mass Displacement and Ongoing Security Operations

Residents of the affected communities have deserted their homes, leaving entire villages empty. The displaced populations have taken refuge in nearby IDP camps, churches, and schools. Security agencies have since been deployed to the troubled areas to restore calm and prevent further violence. Though the immediate situation has been stabilized, many fear the attacks could reignite without sustained military presence and intelligence-led operations.

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Calls Grow for Federal Government to Prioritize Benue Security

The escalating Benue herdsmen attacks have renewed calls for the Federal Government to prioritize security in the Middle Belt. With Benue serving as a major agricultural hub, any disruption to farming activities due to insecurity could worsen food inflation in Nigeria. Stakeholders continue to urge President Bola Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action against armed herdsmen and ensure justice for the victims.

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Conclusion

The Benue herdsmen attacks in Ukum and Logo LGAs have highlighted the urgent need for proactive security measures in Nigeria’s rural communities. As investigations continue and relief efforts begin, citizens await decisive government action to restore peace and prevent future bloodshed. #BenueHerdsmenAttacks, #BenueKillings, #UkumLogoMassacre, #EndInsecurityNow, #MiddleBeltCrisis, #NigeriaSecurity, #IDPsInBenue, #GovernorHyacinthAlia, #SolomonWombo, #FederalIntervention,