Alia seeks FG’s intervention as death toll in Benue attacks hits 56

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue state, has appealed to the federal government to urgently address the worsening insecurity in the state.

The governor made the call on Saturday during a visit to the scenes of recent attacks in the state, as the death toll from the attacks by suspected armed militia in Ukum and Logo LGAs rose to 56.

The attacks, which occurred in the Sankera axis of the state, have left dozens dead and several communities displaced.

During the visit, Alia condemned what he described as violent attacks on defenceless people and called on security agencies to take more decisive action to end the killings.

The governor also engaged with traditional rulers and residents of the affected communities, assuring them of the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in all its forms.

He urged the people to remain calm and discouraged any attempt to resort to self-help.

In response to the attacks, the  security presence in the area has increased.

Emergency services have also been deployed, and relief materials are being distributed across the two affected LGAs.

The attacks in Ukum and Logo are the latest in a series of incidents linked to suspected herdsmen in Benue, a state frequently at the centre of Nigeria’s armed conflicts.