Fresh Attack Hits Benue’s Otukpo as Suspected Armed Herdsmen Strike Again

Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly carried out another deadly attack in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, less than 48 hours after earlier assaults on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities left several people dead.

The latest attack reportedly occurred in Ondo village, Ugboju District, in the early hours of Tuesday, when gunmen allegedly stormed the community and opened fire on residents as farmers prepared to begin the day’s activities.

Eyewitnesses said several people were killed while many others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. However, the exact number of casualties remains unclear as many residents fled the area in search of safety.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said bodies were seen in the community after the attack but noted that the casualty figure could not be immediately confirmed due to the chaos.

In response to the renewed violence, youths in Otukpo staged a protest, blocking the Otukpo–Agatu Road with burning tyres. The demonstration caused heavy traffic and left many motorists stranded.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, gave a brief response, saying, “Noted please,” without providing further details on the latest incident.

The renewed attack comes just days after the police confirmed that at least eight people were killed and five others injured in attacks on Akpachi and Otukpo-Nobi communities, although local residents claimed the death toll exceeded ten.

Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia had earlier condemned the attacks, describing them as tragic and reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state.

Authorities are yet to issue an official casualty figure for the latest assault.