At least 16 people have been killed in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Benue State, with several others injured in separate incidents in Otukpo and Kwande Local Government Areas.
The attacks happened between Monday and Tuesday. The assailants also took motorcycles belonging to fleeing farmers.
The deadliest attack occurred around 4am Tuesday in Efeyi, Ugboju District, Otukpo LGA, where at least 14 people were killed and many others wounded.
A local source said more residents were missing and the death toll could rise. He said, “The current situation in Efeyi Ugboju is pathetic. The attack started around 4am, and three hours later there was no response from the security agencies. The army and police stationed at Ugboju Ogobia had not reached the community to protect innocent citizens. We are helpless and vulnerable, but we still look onto God.”
Otukpo LGA Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack, saying 14 bodies had been recovered while injured victims were receiving treatment.
“14 dead bodies have been recovered, and many others are wounded. There was no provocation; it was simply to shed blood and kill innocent people.
“The people are afraid, and there is great apprehension. Residents of neighbouring communities are already fleeing,” Ogiri said.
He questioned the continued attacks despite the presence of security agencies and called for enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law.
“There are many security agencies in Otukpo, including the military, police, mobile police and agro-rangers. I do not know if they are not enough. Government must deliberately enforce the state’s anti-open grazing law because everything is tied to it.
“The eviction notice given to illegal occupants cannot achieve anything without proper enforcement, and our people will continue to lament if nothing is done.”
Ogiri said he was at the teaching hospital awaiting injured victims who had received first aid at a local hospital.
Asked who was responsible, he said, “It’s still the same militia herdsmen. There was no issue and no provocation. They have been attacking communities sporadically in recent days, and the casualty figures keep increasing. Security personnel are in Otukpo, but I do not determine their operations. My responsibility is to provide them with accommodation and logistics.”
Before the Efeyi attack, another resident was reportedly killed Monday while farming in Ipom, Ugboju District.
Also on Monday, suspected armed herdsmen attacked Abaji in Moon Council Ward, Kwande LGA, shooting farmers on a Bambara nut farm. A woman later died from gunshot injuries, while two motorcycles were taken.
A survivor said, “We were on our Bambara nut farm on Monday morning when we noticed strange movements. Suddenly they started shooting, and we all ran for our lives, abandoning our farming tools.
“They shot a woman and took away two motorcycles belonging to our neighbours. We are back home now, but everyone is living in fear.”
