Death Toll Climbs to 56 in Benue State Attacks, Prompting Calls for Federal Intervention

MAKURDI, Nigeria – The death toll from a series of attacks in the Sankera axis of Benue State has risen sharply to 56, according to the state governor's office. The attacks, which occurred between Thursday night and Friday morning in the Ukum and Logo local government areas, have sparked widespread condemnation and calls for increased security measures and federal intervention.

The attacks, attributed by Governor Hyacinth Alia to suspected armed herdsmen, targeted several communities in the Sankera region, which includes the Ukum, Logo, and Kastina-Ala local government areas. The initial death toll reported by the police on Friday was 17, but the number has since surged as search and rescue operations continue.

Gov. Alia, during an on-the-spot assessment of the affected communities on Saturday, confirmed the revised death toll. He stated that 27 bodies were recovered in Logo Local Government Area and 28 in Ukum Local Government Area. One family had already buried a loved one before the governor's visit. Kastina-Ala Local Government Area reported no deaths. The governor lamented the "senseless killings and displacement of innocent citizens" and called on the federal government to provide assistance to end the violence.

The attacks have forced many residents to flee their homes and seek refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. During his visit to the Ugba IDP camp, Gov. Alia assured the displaced persons of the state government's commitment to their safety and well-being. He also urged them to remain calm and avoid taking matters into their own hands, while also promising to work with security agencies to restore peace to the affected areas.

Benue State has long been plagued by clashes between nomadic cattle herders and farmers, primarily over land use. The conflict is often exacerbated by ethnic and religious tensions, with many herders belonging to the Muslim Fulani ethnic group and many farmers being Christian. This dynamic has given the conflict a religious or ethnic dimension, particularly in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. Similar attacks have occurred in neighboring Plateau State, where more than 100 people were killed earlier this month.

The Benue State Police Command has deployed tactical teams to the area to join forces with officers on the ground and other security agencies to prevent further attacks. The increased security presence aims to reassure residents and deter further violence. Emergency services have also been deployed to provide assistance to the affected communities, and relief materials are being distributed across the Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.

The recent surge in violence has prompted strong reactions from prominent figures. Former Senate President David Mark condemned the killings, stating "Enough is enough." He called on the government and security agencies to take decisive action to end the bloodshed and bring the perpetrators to justice. The attacks have also drawn attention to the broader issue of insecurity in Nigeria and the need for a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of the conflict.

Gov. Alia's appeal to the federal government underscores the severity of the situation and the need for a coordinated response. The federal government's intervention could include increased security deployments, mediation efforts between conflicting parties, and long-term solutions to address land disputes and promote peaceful coexistence. The governor's office has not yet released details on specific support requested from the federal government.

The attacks in Benue State highlight the ongoing challenges of insecurity and inter-communal violence in Nigeria. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strengthening security, promoting dialogue, addressing socio-economic inequalities, and ensuring justice and accountability for perpetrators of violence. The cycle of violence must be broken to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.