Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has appealed to the Federal Government to intensify efforts in tackling the growing insecurity in the state, following the latest attacks by suspected herdsmen that have left 56 people dead in the Ukum and Logo local government areas.
The governor made the appeal on Saturday during his visit to the scenes of the attacks in Ukum and Logo to assess the devastation firsthand.
Speaking to journalists after touring the affected communities, Alia condemned the violent attacks on the defenseless people and urged security agencies to take stronger action to prevent further bloodshed.
The governor used the occasion to interact with community leaders and residents, reassuring them of his administration’s commitment to “addressing all forms of insecurity” and delivering a safer environment for all.
He urged residents to “remain calm and resist the will to resort to self-help.”
Security presence has since been reinforced in the Sankera axis — the region where the attacks occurred — to restore public confidence. Emergency services and relief supplies have also been dispatched to the two local government areas to support victims.
In a related development, the situation in neighbouring Plateau State remains dire, with over 100 people reportedly killed in the last two weeks as “bloodthirsty marauders unleashed mayhem on communities” in the Bokkos and Bassa local government areas.