Describing the killings as a national tragedy, Mr Ribadu said, “It was evil that visited the state.”
Mr Alia said there was the possibility of the figure increasing in Ukum because the search was still ongoing.
She explained that five people were killed in Ukum and 12 in Logo LGAs.
Mr Alia, represented by his deputy, Sam Ode, said the bureau’s establishment was a swift response to security matters in Benue.
It also called for a review of the security architecture in the affected areas.
The local government chairmen were also accused of other criminal activities.
Mr Alia called for the immediate release of the kidnapped chairman and those with him.
“They are also hampered by insufficient manpower, the APCs, and patrol vehicles.”
The appeal was brought before the court by a gubernatorial aspirant, Terhemba Shija, who accused the APC of failing to hold a valid election in the LGAs.
