The death toll in gunmen’s latest onslaught on various towns in Logo and Ukum local government areas of Benue State has increased to 55.
Several settlements, including Ugondo in Logo, Tyuluv, Gbagir, and Ukum LGAs of Benue state were targeted by suspected armed herders on Thursday and Friday.
The State Police Command, through its Spokesman, Catherine Anene, announced on Friday that five persons in Ukum and 12 people in Logo had been slain, for a total of 17.
However, during an on-the-spot inspection tour of some of the towns assaulted in the two local governments on Saturday, state Governor Hyacinth Alia revealed that the death toll had grown to 55.
According to him, the death toll in Logo at the time of addressing the people hit 27, and another 28 in Ukum LG.
He said, “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.
He further stated that some families had buried their loved ones after being given cover by security operatives.
“Some families requested to conduct immediate burial for their relatives, and the security personnel provided them with cover to do so,” he said.
Alia, however, declared that what the state was going through at the moment was ‘a real war’ which could not be handled with kid gloves.
He 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.”
While commending security forces for their efforts to maintain calm in the state, Alia urged the federal government to provide the required assistance to his administration in order to put a stop to the deaths and displacement of innocent persons.
The governor offered to cover the burial and medical expenses of individuals in the hospital.
The impacted communities were believed to be deserted, as residents fled and sought sanctuary in Zaki-Biam and Ugba IDP camps.
