Benue State governor, Hyacinth Alia says the death toll from latest gunmen attacks on some communities in Logo and Ukum local government areas has risen to 55.
The governor disclosed this yesterday when he made an assessment tour of some of the affected communities. As at the time he was addressing the people, Alia said the death toll had risen to 27 in Logo Local Government and 28 in Ukum LG.
His words, ‘Since these attacks started, we have recovered corpses. As of yesterday (Friday), we received some, and today (Saturday), the tally rose to 27 in Logo.
In Ukum, security operatives have recovered over 28 corpses.
‘Some families requested to conduct immediate burial for their relatives, and the security personnel provided them with cover to do so’.
Describing the development in the state as real war, the governor said, ‘there is no room for anyone to sleep with their two eyes closed. This is real war. We know our enemies. This is the only state that we have. I mourn with you at this very pathetic and sad moment in your lives’.
In spite of the magnitude of terror unleashed on the state by gunmen, Alia commended security agencies for all their sacrifices in ensuring that there is peace in the state and called on the Federal Government to assist his administration with the necessary support to end the killings and displacement of innocent citizens in the state.
Meanwhile, chairman of Ukum Local Government area Jonathan Modi, has imposed a 24 hour curfew in the troubled area after youths protested the attacks and killings in Gbagir and Ityuuluv on Thursday by suspected herdsmen.
Jonathan stated that the curfew became necessary to allow security personnel bring the unfortunate situation under control.
