THE death toll from the recent string of attacks in Benue State has climbed to 69, following the recovery of 13 additional bodies in the wake of raids on rural communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
Governor Hyacinth Alia had initially confirmed the discovery of 56 bodies on Sunday, April 20, after his visit to the affected areas of the state.
The ICIR reported that gunmen attacked Gbagir community, Ukum LGA of the state. The assault occurred on Thursday on the Sankera axis of the LGA and simultaneously on the neighbouring Logo LGA.
The renewed attacks in Sankera came barely 48 hours after suspected herders launched brutal attacks on three communities, Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju, in Otukpo LGA, southern Benue.
However, the number surged on Monday after 13 more victims were found in surrounding bushes where the armed attackers had struck, according to Daily Trust.
The Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Content Creation, Isaac Uzaan, confirmed the updated figure on Monday, revealing that 12 bodies were recovered in Ukum and one in Logo.
This brings the total number of fatalities from the attacks to 69, when the latest figures are added to those released by the state governor.
While assessing the communities on Saturday, Governor Alia described the situation as “a real war.” He said no one could afford to sleep with both eyes closed.
His words, “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 appealed to the Federal Government for urgent support to halt the violence and prevent further displacement of residents, many of whom are now taking refuge in camps in Zaki-Biam and Ugba.
He also urged residents not to take the law into their hands, stressing the need for calm and lawful conduct even in the face of repeated attacks.
“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 the laws into their own hands. The path to peace is hard, but it is the only way forward,” the governor added.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M