Governor Hyacinth Alia has made a passionate appeal to the Federal Government to urgently address the escalating security crisis in Benue State, as the death toll from coordinated attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas (LGAs) has tragically risen to 56.
Governor Alia made the call on Saturday during a visit to the scenes of the deadly attacks to assess the situation firsthand and sympathize with affected communities.
Addressing journalists after the inspection tour, Governor Alia condemned the brutal attacks on defenseless civilians and demanded stronger action from security agencies to prevent further killings.
“We cannot continue to watch helplessly as our people are being massacred. It is time for the Federal Government to rise and take decisive steps to stop these attacks,” Alia said.
Community Engagement and Assurance
During the visit, the governor also met with local leaders and residents, assuring them of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and security. He urged the people to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands.
“We understand your pain, but I urge everyone to resist the temptation of self-help. The government is taking measures to secure your communities,” he stated.
Security Measures and Relief Efforts
To restore confidence among residents, security has been reinforced in the Sankera axis, the epicenter of the latest attacks. In addition, emergency relief materials have been dispatched to displaced families in Ukum and Logo LGAs.
Regional Violence Continues
The attacks in Benue come amid a wave of violence across Nigeria’s North Central region. In neighboring Plateau State, more than 100 people have been killed in just two weeks following similar assaults on communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs by armed marauders.
The growing frequency of these attacks has sparked renewed calls for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on security, particularly in regions hardest hit by herdsmen-related violence.