The Benue State government has confirmed twenty (20) deaths after suspected herdsmen attacked communities across Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas on Friday .
The Governor Rev. Fr. Alia expressed profound grief in an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the devastating human cost of these violent incidents.
According to the Governor, the assaults focused on the Sankera axis, where five bodies were first recovered in Gbagir village. Later, search teams found two more victims, raising the local death toll to seven.
Simultaneously, police operations in Logo uncovered twelve additional corpses, bringing total fatalities to twenty.
“This tragedy represents more than numbers—these were families torn apart by needless brutality,” the statement emphasized. The government described victims as parents, children, and siblings whose futures were abruptly stolen.
During one victim’s burial in Gbagir, security personnel stood guard, protecting mourners from potential threats. Officials urged communities to remain alert and report suspicious movements immediately, stressing that public cooperation strengthens security responses.
Meanwhile, state leaders reaffirmed their determination to restore stability through enhanced protective strategies. “We refuse to surrender to violence,” the declaration read, noting ongoing security consultations to safeguard vulnerable areas.
The administration specifically appealed for communal solidarity against aggression.
“United action is our greatest defense,” officials asserted, encouraging residents to help identify attackers through confidential tip-offs.
Despite the trauma, Benue’s leadership vowed resilience: “We shall rebuild, resist fear, and reclaim our peace.”
The statement concluded by promising justice for bereaved families through sustained security interventions.
As investigations continue, focus remains on supporting survivors while preventing further bloodshed.
The government pledged round-the-clock efforts to protect all citizens, with additional updates expected as developments unfold.
Transitioning from crisis to recovery, Benue now confronts the dual challenge of healing wounds while fortifying defenses against future attacks.
Community leaders have begun organizing vigilante patrols, complementing official security measures.
The recent violence has reignited debates about Nigeria’s farmer-herder conflicts, with civil society groups demanding urgent federal intervention.
Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing relief materials for displaced families in affected villages.
Through this tragedy, Benue’s spirit remains unbroken.
Residents continue demonstrating remarkable courage, with local volunteers assisting security forces in combing nearby forests for evidence.
The state government has established emergency hotlines for trauma counseling and incident reporting.
Looking ahead, officials emphasize that sustainable peace requires addressing root causes of communal tensions.
Benue Government Grieves After Suspected Herdsmen Kill 20They’ve announced plans for inter-ethnic dialogue sessions alongside security deployments.
For now, the priority remains honoring the departed while protecting the living.
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