At least 15 people have been killed in a fresh attack by armed assailants on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attack, which occurred on Tuesday morning, targeted the Efeyi-Ugboju community, where 14 bodies have so far been recovered, while another person was reportedly killed earlier at Ipom-Ugboju on Monday.
Residents said the attack began around 5:00 a.m. and continued for several hours without interruption. They added that the death toll could rise as security personnel and locals continued searching for more victims, while several injured residents were taken to hospitals for treatment.
A resident, who spoke anonymously, described the incident as tragic, saying the attackers carried out the operation for hours before leaving the area.
“Fourteen people were killed in Efeyi-Ugboju, while another person was killed at Ipom-Ugboju on Monday morning. Many others were injured,” the resident said.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack, stating that 14 bodies had been recovered from Efeyi-Ugboju and several victims sustained injuries.
He condemned the killings, describing them as a deliberate attack on innocent residents.
“There was no provocation. They came only to kill our people. Fourteen bodies have been recovered, while many others were wounded. Residents are living in fear, and some neighbouring communities are already fleeing for safety,” Ogiri said.
The council chairman expressed concern that the attacks continued despite the presence of security agencies, including the military, police, Mobile Police Force, and Agro-Rangers.
He called for stronger enforcement of Benue State’s Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, which he said was linked to the recurring violence.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to receive full details of the incident.
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