The number of fatalities from recent attacks by suspected herdsmen in Benue State has increased to 20, as security operatives and local residents continue to search affected communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas.
Governor Hyacinth Alia disclosed the updated figures during a phone interview with Channels Television on Saturday.
He explained that five bodies were initially found in Gbagir and taken to the morgue, while two more were later discovered by residents searching for missing persons.
The governor added that a grieving family in Gbagir, which opted for an immediate burial, was granted permission by security agencies to conduct brief burial rites.
In Logo LGA, security personnel recovered 12 additional bodies, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths from the coordinated attacks across the Sankera region to 20.
Governor Alia reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also encouraged residents to provide timely information to security agencies in order to effectively address the growing insecurity.
The Benue State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, confirmed the attacks and provided further insight into the situation.
She stated that a large group of armed individuals invaded the Sankera axis, prompting immediate deployment of tactical units under the directive of Commissioner of Police, CP Steve H. Yabanet.
“Officers were dispatched to Gbagir where they confronted the attackers. During the operation, five bodies were recovered and later confirmed dead at a hospital,” the police statement said.
Anene also noted that a separate assault occurred in Logo, where 12 individuals were killed before the arrival of security forces. At that time, the confirmed death toll stood at 17, which later rose to 20 after further discoveries.
Security agencies are still tracking the attackers, who reportedly fled towards the forests near the Taraba border.
The police also cautioned against the spread of unverified reports online, urging the public to avoid actions that could escalate tension.
These incidents follow a series of violent attacks in the Otukpo axis of the state. In February, suspected herdsmen launched simultaneous raids on Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju communities, claiming five lives.
The attacks came just a day after 11 people were killed in Otobi, another community within the same local government.