The number of casualties from recent attacks by suspected armed herders in Benue State has climbed to 72, as search efforts continue in affected communities.
The violent attacks took place between Thursday and Friday night in several villages across Ukum Local Government Area. Governor Hyacinth Alia initially confirmed on Saturday that 56 bodies had been recovered from Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv in the Gbagir district of Ukum following coordinated assaults by what he described as terrorists.
However, the death toll rose on Monday as local security personnel and community volunteers uncovered more bodies while searching nearby forests, according to government spokesperson Isaac Uzaan. Governor Alia had earlier warned that the number of victims could increase as search operations continued.
The governor condemned the attacks, calling for immediate and decisive action to prevent further violence in the region, which has seen repeated outbreaks of insecurity.
He expressed concern over the timing of the killings, noting that the attackers targeted communities just as the farming season began—an apparent strategy to disrupt agricultural activities and food production.
Nigeria has been grappling with a wave of violence by armed groups, including frequent clashes between farming communities and suspected herders, as well as incidents of livestock theft and rural banditry.
Governor Alia reiterated his appeal for federal intervention to stop the cycle of violence devastating rural areas in Benue and other parts of central Nigeria.