Benue Mourns as 16 Victims of Otukpo Attack Are Laid to Rest

Tears and anger filled Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Saturday as 16 victims of a deadly attack were laid to rest in a mass burial.

The victims were reportedly killed on July 28 when suspected armed herders invaded the community in the early hours of the morning, sending residents fleeing for safety.

According to community members, the attackers stormed Efeyi between 4am and 5am and opened fire on residents, killing 16 people in what was described as a brutal and unprovoked attack.

The incident has renewed concerns over the worsening security situation in the area, coming only months after another deadly attack in communities within the same district.

Family members, community leaders, traditional rulers, political figures and religious leaders gathered at the mass burial to pay their final respects to the victims.

The atmosphere was filled with grief as mourners wept uncontrollably while the coffins were taken to the burial ground.

A resident, Aboyi Owi, who attended the funeral, described it as one of the saddest moments in the history of the community.

He expressed anger over the continued attacks and called on the government to take stronger measures to protect communities and prevent further loss of lives.

Prayers were offered for the victims, while mourners observed a moment of silence in their honour.

A Catholic priest also led prayers before the coffins were lowered into their graves, amid intense wailing from bereaved relatives and sympathisers.

The community is now calling for urgent and sustained security measures to prevent further attacks and protect residents from armed groups.

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