As the number of fatalities in the recent attacks by suspected herdsmen on communities in Benue State reached 56 on Saturday, former Defence Minister General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) reiterated his call for the people of Taraba State and other Nigerians to defend themselves against the attackers who continue to kill people across various communities nationwide.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, confirmed the increased death toll of 56 during his assessment tour of some affected communities, stating unequivocally that Benue State is currently facing “a real war.”
General Danjuma’s remarks were made in Takum at an event he organized to express appreciation to his local staff, against the backdrop of escalating killings in communities in Plateau, Benue, Ondo, and several other states.
Meanwhile, residents of Kaiama and Baruten Local Government Areas in Kwara State are experiencing heightened tension as a new terrorist group identified as “Mahmuda” has reportedly resumed operations in the area, engaging in kidnapping and killings.
This marks the third time that General Danjuma, a former Chief of Army Staff, has publicly urged Nigerians, particularly the people of Taraba State, to take up self-defense against what he has previously described as genocide.
Addressing a large gathering in Takum, which included Taraba State Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas and other high-ranking government officials, Danjuma emphasized that the conditions that prompted his earlier calls for self-defense not only persist but have intensified.
“I once asked you to rise and defend yourselves. I am still repeating it today with more seriousness; rise and defend yourselves. The killers have obtained sophisticated arms; we don’t know where they got the arms. But you people should also seek to get it wherever they get the arms; you must defend yourselves against the killers,” he stated.
“You should know that they are well armed to kill you and take over your land. Be ready for them as they are also humans like you,” he further explained, adding that unless communities are prepared to defend themselves, no one else is ready to save their lives.
Governor Kefas, speaking at the same event, lauded General Danjuma for his contributions to the development of Taraba State and offered prayers for his continued good health. He acknowledged the significant benefits the state has received from Danjuma’s philanthropic efforts, particularly in healthcare, road infrastructure, economic empowerment, and overall development.
Meanwhile, Governor Alia of Benue State provided an update on the casualties from the recent attacks in Logo and Ukum Local Government Areas, confirming that the death toll had risen to 56. Communities such as Ugondo in Logo and Tyuluv, Gbagir, and areas within Ukum LGAs were targeted in coordinated armed assaults by suspected herdsmen between Thursday and Friday.
The Benue State Police Command, through its spokesperson Catherine Anene, had initially reported 17 deaths (five in Ukum and 12 in Logo) on Friday. However, Governor Alia’s latest update revealed a grim escalation, with the death toll in Logo reaching 27 and an additional 28 bodies recovered in Ukum LGA.
“Since these attacks started, we have recovered corpses. As of yesterday (Friday), we received some, and today (Saturday), the tally rose to 27 in Logo,” Governor Alia stated. “In Ukum, security operatives have recovered over 28 corpses,” bringing the total to 56.
He also noted that some families, with security cover provided by security operatives, had already buried their deceased loved ones. “Some families requested immediate burial for their relatives, and the security personnel provided them with cover to do so,” he said.
Governor Alia concluded by declaring that the situation Benue State is currently facing is “a real war.”
