Overview

• Governor Hyacinth Alia reported 56 confirmed deaths from attacks in Benue State's Logo and Ukum local government areas on April 17–18, 2025.
• The death toll rose significantly from an initial police report of 17 fatalities, with further searches expected to uncover more victims.
• The violence is attributed to suspected herders, part of a broader pattern of clashes between nomadic cattle herders and settled farmers over land use.
• Benue State has seen multiple attacks in recent weeks, including 11 killed in Otukpo earlier this week and five farmers shot in Ukum on April 18.
• The ongoing conflict reflects worsening ethno-religious tensions and resource disputes exacerbated by climate change and inadequate security responses.