Benue massacre: Death tolls rises to 72 amid herdsmen rampage

The death toll from coordinated attacks by suspected armed herders in Benue State has risen to 72.

The Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, confirmed the development during a media briefing on Monday April 21, 2025.

The attacks occurred between April 16 and 17 in communities under Ukum Local Government Area.

He stated that local security personnel and volunteers discovered more corpses in nearby bushes.

Earlier on Saturday, Alia disclosed that 56 bodies had been recovered from Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv-Gbagir areas.

By Monday, an additional 16 victims had been found, according to government spokesman Isaac Uzaan.

Uzaan told reporters that the search and rescue operations remained ongoing in remote locations.

The governor had warned that the death toll could rise due to the scope of the attack.

He described the massacre as deliberate and calculated to disrupt the farming season in the area.

“This attack was strategic. They struck at the start of the planting season,” Alia lamented.

He called for urgent federal intervention to stop the recurring bloodshed.

“These communities have suffered enough. We need immediate help from the Federal Government,” he said.

Alia also urged security agencies to increase their presence in troubled zones across the state.

He noted that the attackers came in large numbers and operated with military-style precision.

Residents said the gunmen stormed the villages at night, shooting indiscriminately and burning homes.

Survivors have taken refuge in nearby towns, many of them displaced from their ancestral lands.

The recent killings have sparked outrage among locals and civil society groups.

Nigeria continues to witness a surge in violence by armed groups and bandits.

Recurring conflicts between farmers and herders have worsened food insecurity across many states.

The governor vowed that his administration would not rest until justice is served.

“We will not fold our arms. We shall pursue justice for the victims,” Alia said.

Investigations are ongoing as security forces comb the area for clues.

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