Benue killings: Death toll hits 56, as Gov Alia seeks FG support

 Eric Patrick 

The Governor of Benue state, Hyacinth Alia has confirmed that the death toll from recent gunmen attacks on communities in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas has risen to 56.

The governor made the confirmation on Saturday, during a visit to the affected communities, stating that the scale of destruction was devastating and warned of the risk of further escalation unless urgent federal support is deployed to stabilise the region.

Speaking to journalists during his visit, Alia said,  “Early hours of today, we understood that more bodies were being picked up in Logo LGA, resulting in 27 corpses. And then many more were discovered in parts of Ukum LGA, currently totaling 29. That brings the total to 56 lives lost in just one night. This is quite devastating."

The governor, who conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the affected areas, said search efforts were still ongoing and expressed fears that the casualty figure could rise.

According Alia, the attacks were deliberately timed at the start of the farming season to prevent people from cultivating their farmlands.

“These were strategic attacks designed to chase people away from their communities. We simply need the support and help of the Federal Government immediately. The security forces are trying their best, but this level of bloodshed calls for urgent and strategic intervention,” he said.

Alia also pledged to cover burial and hospital costs for victims, and commended security operatives for their continued sacrifices in safeguarding the state.

Chairman of Logo LGA, Mr. Clement Ungwachikar, and Mue Ter Ugondo, Chief Peter Iorhuna, both expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his quick response and solidarity with the victims.

They called for improved security logistics and permanent deployment of troops to affected zones.

Security operatives, including the Commissioner of Police, State Director of DSS, Operation Whirl Stroke, Homeland Security, Civil Defence Corps, and Civil Protection Guards, accompanied the governor during the assessment tour.

Alia once again urged the Federal Government to bolster support for the security framework in Benue State and to take action against the criminal networks that are causing instability in the Sankera region.

“We need strategic and lasting solutions—not just to secure lives, but to restore governance, disarm the militias, and ensure these communities return to normalcy,” the governor said.