The number of people killed in the recent armed herdsmen attacks on Benue State communities has climbed to 72, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
The deadly assaults occurred between Thursday and Friday night across several villages in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Initial reports had placed the death toll at 56, with Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, confirming over the weekend that the bodies were recovered in Ugondo, Logo, and Tyuluv-Gbagir communities.
However, more victims were confirmed on Monday, as local security agencies and volunteers continued to comb nearby bushes, Isaac Uzaan, a government spokesman, told the media.
The governor himself had said there was possibility of the figure increasing in Ukum because more search was still ongoing.
Alia called for urgent action to be taken to halt the horrendous attacks that have continued to plague local communities in the state.
Nigeria has witnessed a series of attacks by armed groups in recent months. There have also been recurring incidents of livestock rustling and armed banditry in the country.
Alia lamented that his people were strategically attacked at the beginning of the farming season to hinder them from farming.