16 Killed  As Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue Community

No fewer than 16 people are feared to have been killed after suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly overnight attack on Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, sparking protests by residents demanding urgent government intervention to end the persistent violence.

The attackers reportedly stormed the community between 3:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee for safety. Several people were injured during the assault, while others were reported missing.

The incident triggered demonstrations by youths and women, who barricaded the Enugu–Otukpo and Makurdi–Otukpo highways before marching to the palace of the Och’Idoma to protest the recurring attacks on communities in the area.

One of the protesters, Comfort Inalegwu, said she lost three members of her family during the attack, including her sister and two children.

According to her, the attackers invaded homes in the early hours of Sunday, shooting residents and leaving behind widespread destruction.

She said the bodies of her relatives had been deposited at the General Hospital in Otukpo, adding that many other victims were still unaccounted for.

The protesters warned that women in the affected communities would continue demonstrations and oppose the conduct of elections until decisive steps are taken to guarantee their safety.

Reacting to the incident, Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as a barbaric assault on innocent residents and the people of Benue State.

In a statement issued through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attackers reportedly invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, while residents were asleep, killing several people and injuring many others.

Alia said the attack was an attempt to undermine peace and stability in the state, assuring affected communities that the government would not allow criminal elements to force them from their ancestral lands.

He directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols in vulnerable communities, strengthen collaboration with neighbouring states and ensure that those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

The governor also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, and the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command had not issued official statements on the attack.