Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has asked President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian security agencies to treat the killings in the state as a national emergency. He made this call after the number of people killed in recent attacks rose to 72.

The attacks happened between Thursday and late Friday in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. Several communities were badly affected by the violence, which officials say was carried out by suspected armed herders.

At first, 56 bodies were found in areas like Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv. But by Monday, the death toll increased as search teams found more victims in nearby bushes. Local volunteers and security personnel are still searching for others.

A government spokesperson, Isaac Uzaan, said they expected the number to rise as more areas were checked. He described the attacks as a planned massacre.

Governor Alia said the attackers struck at the start of the farming season to force people off their land and stop food production. He believes the attackers are trained and well-armed. He called the situation a tragedy.

He warned that the number of deaths could keep going up as search efforts continue in remote areas.

“Our communities are under attack. This must stop,” the governor said. He called on President Tinubu and the Nigerian Army to take urgent action.

Benue has been one of the main areas affected by the long-standing conflict between farmers and herders in Nigeria’s Middle Belt. These clashes often happen due to land disputes, livestock theft, and shrinking resources. But in recent years, the violence has become more deadly and more organized.