The Easter weekend turned bloody in Benue State as Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the recovery of 56 bodies following coordinated overnight attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv-Gbagir communities in Ukum Local Government Areas (LGAs).
Governor Alia, who visited the affected communities on Saturday for an on-the-spot assessment, described the massacre as “devastating” and called for urgent federal intervention to prevent further loss of life and displacement.
“Early this morning, we recovered 27 bodies in Logo LGA and 29 more in Ukum. Sadly, these figures may rise as search efforts continue in the bushes,” Alia told journalists. “This was a calculated and strategic attack aimed at crippling farming activities at the start of the season.”
The governor lamented the persistent insecurity despite significant federal support and continuous deployment of security operatives in the region. “For this to happen despite ongoing efforts, something drastic, something strategic, has to come into play,” he stressed.
Accompanied by heads of key security agencies, including the Police, DSS, and Operation Whirl Stroke, Alia pledged support for victims’ families, assuring that the state government would cover burial expenses and hospital bills.
Meanwhile, Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo, representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo in the House of Representatives, expressed frustration over the unending violence in his constituency. “Despite a military presence for over a decade, we are still seeing deadly attacks. We need a permanent military barracks here,” he said.
Local leaders, including Logo Council Chairman Mr. Clement Ungwachikar and Chief Peter Iorhuna, Mue Ter Ugondo, thanked the governor for his prompt visit and solidarity.
As of Saturday, the affected villages were largely deserted, with heavy police presence maintaining order. Many displaced residents have fled to IDP camps in Zaki-Biam and Ugba.
Governor Alia renewed his call for increased federal assistance and long-term security infrastructure to bring lasting peace to the troubled communities.
