Fresh Benue Bloodshed: Death Toll Rises to 18 as Renewed Attack on Otukpo Community Sparks Mass Protes

No fewer than 18 people have been reported killed after suspected armed herders launched a fresh attack on Otukpo-Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, triggering widespread protests and renewed concerns over the persistent insecurity in the state.

The latest assault, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, is believed to be linked to a series of violent attacks that began on Friday, leaving several others injured and forcing residents to flee their homes.

Residents said the gunmen invaded the community between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., shooting indiscriminately and attacking homes while many victims were asleep.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, said the violence followed the killing of two farmers in Apachi village on Friday, July 10.

According to him, the victims had been buried on Saturday after security operatives conducted clearance operations in the area, leading residents to believe the attackers had been driven away.

“We had remained vigilant and thought the area had been thoroughly combed, but at about 4 a.m. on Sunday, the attackers returned and besieged Otukpo-Nobi, killing several people and injuring many others,” Ogiri said.

He disclosed that angry youths carried the bodies of some victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma during protests over the killings, adding that efforts w

ere underway to prevent reprisal attacks.
While Ogiri initially confirmed 10 deaths two from Friday’s attack and eight from Sunday’s assault residents said the casualty figure had climbed to at least 18, with several injured persons receiving treatment in hospital.

The council chairman said survivors were being relocated to safer areas while security had been reinforced across affected communities.

The attack sparked demonstrations across Otukpo, with women, youths and other residents occupying major roads and converging at the palace of the Och’Idoma to demand urgent government intervention.
One of the protesters, Mrs. Comfort Inalegwu, said she lost her sister and two children during the attack.

“Some Fulani herdsmen attacked Nobi community, shooting indiscriminately and forcing residents to flee. They entered my sister’s house and shot her alongside her two children. Their bodies are now at the General Hospital mortuary in Otukpo,” she said.
She added that several residents were still missing, while many of the injured were receiving treatment.

Women in the area vowed to sustain the protests until decisive action is taken to halt the recurring attacks on communities in Idoma land.

The Benue State Police Command said it was still compiling details of the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said, “I’ll give details when I get them. Please bear with me.”

Reacting to the killings, Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as a barbaric assault on innocent residents and an attempt to undermine peace in the state.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said suspected armed herders invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa District of Otukpo LGA between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., killing scores of people and leaving many others injured.

Governor Alia directed security agencies to intensify surveillance, strengthen patrols in vulnerable communities, collaborate with neighbouring states and ensure those responsible for the attack are apprehended.
“My government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields,” the governor said.

He also urged residents to support security agencies with credible intelligence while assuring affected communities that his administration remained committed to protecting lives and property.
Political leaders across the state also condemned the attack.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) senatorial candidate and former Commissioner for Finance, Dr. David Olofu, called on both the Federal and Benue State governments to strengthen security across Benue South and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Chief Michael Aondoakaa (SAN), described the killings as acts of terrorism against innocent citizens.

Aondoakaa urged authorities to improve intelligence gathering, deploy additional security personnel to vulnerable communities and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

He lamented the recurring attacks across Benue, saying residents deserved lasting security rather than repeated condolences after every tragedy.

The latest violence has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in Benue State, where repeated attacks on farming communities have continued to claim lives, displace residents and threaten livelihoods despite ongoing security interventions.