The death toll of recent attacks by suspected armed herders in Nigeria’s central state of Benue has risen to 72.

The deadly attacks happened in communities in the Ukum local government area of the state between Thursday and Friday night.

The governor of the state, Hyacinth Alia, had on Saturday confirmed that 56 bodies were recovered in Ugondo, Logo and Tyuluv, Gbagir in Ukum LGAs following the coordinated attacks on the communities by terrorists.

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.