16 Killed in Pre-dawn Attacks on Benue Communities, Residents Protest

Suspected terrorists launched coordinated attacks on Otukpo-Nobi and Akpachi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State early Sunday, killing at least 16 people and leaving many others injured.

The assaults occurred between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. while residents were asleep.

Those killed included women and children, according to local sources.

The killings sparked widespread protests.

Angry residents blocked the Enugu–Otukpo and Makurdi–Otukpo highways and marched to the palace of the Och’Idoma to demand government intervention.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, through his spokesperson Tersoo Kula, condemned the attack as “barbaric” and directed security forces to intensify patrols and track down the perpetrators.

Dr. David Olofu, ADC Senatorial Candidate for Benue South, also called for urgent action.

“These are deliberate acts of aggression. Every necessary effort must be mobilised to secure our communities and preserve the sanctity of human life,” he said.

Olofu commiserated with families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the dead.

Otukpo LGA Chairman, Mr. Maxwell Ogiri, said the attack followed the killing of two farmers in Apachi village on Friday.

He said the bodies were recovered and buried on Saturday.

“Residents had remained vigilant and combed nearby bushes after that incident but were taken by surprise when gunmen attacked Otukpo-Nobi about 4 a.m. on Sunday,” Ogiri told journalists.

He added that youths took some victims’ bodies to the Och’Idoma’s palace in protest, and efforts were ongoing to calm them.

“When people are apprehensive and afraid, you cannot directly control their initial reactions,” he said.