Benue State has witnessed another wave of deadly violence as no fewer than 10 people were killed in separate attacks by suspected armed herdsmen on communities in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The attacks began on Saturday when the assailants reportedly invaded Akpachi village in the Ugboju community, killing two residents and injuring several others. Less than 24 hours later, the gunmen struck again in the early hours of Sunday at Otukpo Nobi community, where eight more people lost their lives, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The renewed killings triggered protests by angry youths and residents, who marched to the Och’Idoma Palace in Otukpo to express their frustration over the worsening security situation and demand urgent government intervention to halt the recurring attacks.
The latest violence comes barely one month after the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isah. The duo were attacked around Okwudu in Otukpo Local Government Area after attending a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The fresh attacks have further raised concerns over the persistent insecurity in Benue State, with residents urging security agencies and the government to take decisive action to safeguard lives and prevent further bloodshed.
