Benue state governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has expressed deep sorrow over the coordinated attacks on communities in Ukum and Logo Local Government Areas, describing the killings as a “serious carnage.”
Suspected armed herders on motorcycles launched deadly assaults on the affected communities early Friday, April 18, 2025, shooting indiscriminately and killing at least 56 people, with fears that the death toll may rise as more bodies are recovered.
Governor Alia, who visited the scenes of the attacks on Saturday, expressed shock at the scale of the devastation.
He described the incident as a calculated and targeted assault, urging the federal government to act swiftly to assist the state in addressing the escalating crisis.
“I know the federal government has offered substantial support and our security personnel are working tirelessly, yet this happened. Something more strategic and drastic must be done. I’m calling on the federal government to come to our aid urgently,” he said.
Offering heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the governor urged local youth to remain calm and avoid retaliatory actions, assuring them that the state government has initiated decisive steps to end the bloodshed.
During a town hall in Ugba, Logo LGA, Governor Alia held closed-door talks with youth representatives and traditional leaders.
He issued a stern warning to any Tiv individuals collaborating with the attackers, declaring, “We know our enemies, and we must confront them head-on.”
He commended the efforts of security agencies, religious leaders such as Most Rev’d Isaac Dugu, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Katsina-Ala, and traditional rulers for their efforts toward peace.
Governor Alia also promised material and logistical support for displaced persons, before proceeding to the heavily affected areas of Gbagir and Afia in Ukum LGA to assess the destruction.
He was accompanied by Ukum LGA Chairman, Hon. Jonathan Modi; Tor Sankera II, HRH Chief David Sev-Av; and Ter Ukum, among others.
Meanwhile, Hon. Prince Solomon Wombo, representing Katsina-Ala/Ukum/Logo Federal Constituency, condemned the attacks and pledged to collaborate with the state government to curb the violence.
Also speaking, Logo LGA Chairman Hon. Kav Clement, traditional ruler HRH Terngu Iorhuna, and youth leader Simon Yangetuma, all lamented the gruesome killings and called for urgent intervention from both state and federal authorities.
