…gunmen sack communities; residents lament delayed security response By Peter Duru, Makurdi No fewer than 16 persons have been killed in renewed attacks on communities in Benue State by suspected armed herdsmen, with several others sustaining serious injuries in separate incursions across Otukpo and Kwande Local Government Areas, LGAs. The attacks, which occurred between Monday and Tuesday, also saw the assailants cart away motorcycles from fleeing farmers. The deadliest assault occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when the attackers reportedly stormed the Efeyi community in the Ugboju District of the Otukpo Local Government Area at about 4am, killing at least 14 people and leaving many others with gunshot wounds.
A local source said the death toll could rise as several residents remained missing while search and rescue efforts continued. He described the situation as heartbreaking, saying, “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.” The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Mr Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and said 14 bodies had so far been recovered, while many injured victims were receiving treatment. According to him, the victims were attacked without any provocation.
“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 expressed concern over the continued attacks despite the presence of security personnel in the area. “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.” The council chairman disclosed that he was at the teaching hospital awaiting the arrival of injured victims who had initially …
Summary from source