Fresh violence has erupted in Benue State after suspected armed herders attacked Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, killing at least 14 people, injuring several others and forcing residents of neighbouring communities to flee for safety.
The early morning assault, which residents said lasted for about four hours, is the latest in a string of deadly attacks that have continued to ravage communities across Benue South despite the presence of security personnel.
A resident of Efeyi, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals, lamented the delayed response by security agencies, alleging that the attackers operated unchallenged for several hours.
“The current situation in Efeyi Ugboju is pathetic. The attack started around 5 a.m. and till after 9 a.m. there was no response from the security agencies. Even the army and police stationed at Ugboju Ogobia have not reached the community to protect innocent citizens.
“We are helpless and vulnerable. What can we do to protect our people? Oh God, help the souls of the innocent people killed mercilessly in Efeyi Ugboju,” the resident said.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, described the attack as another unprovoked assault allegedly carried out by armed herders.
“Yes, there was an attack in Efeyi in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. It happened early this morning,” Ogiri said.
The council chairman disclosed that he was at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, awaiting the arrival of injured victims who were initially rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment.
“I’m at the teaching hospital expecting the wounded. They were first taken to a local hospital, but I’m not sure the facility is adequately equipped to handle their condition,” he said.
Ogiri identified the attackers as suspected Fulani militia, insisting that the community had done nothing to provoke the assault.
“It is still the same Fulani militia. There was no provocation, no conflict. They have been attacking communities sporadically in recent days. The level of casualties has increased. One incident happened just a day or two ago in another village, and today it is Efeyi. They choose locations at will,” he said.
Although he said security agencies were yet to provide a final casualty figure, Ogiri disclosed that reports reaching him indicated that at least 14 bodies had already been recovered.
“There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and kill innocent people. The people are afraid. There is great apprehension, and residents of neighbouring communities are fleeing for safety,” he added.
The chairman questioned why such attacks have continued despite the deployment of military personnel, mobile police officers, Agro-Rangers and conventional police units across the area.
“There are many security agents here, but I don’t know whether they are enough. I am not the one to determine their operations. My responsibility is to provide logistics and accommodation, not to direct security deployments,” he said.
Ogiri also renewed calls for the strict enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, arguing that effective implementation remains critical to ending the recurring bloodshed.
“Everything is tied to the anti-open grazing law. Even the eviction notice issued cannot achieve much because there is nobody to enforce it. Until there is deliberate enforcement, we will continue to lament these killings,” he said.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, said she was still awaiting a detailed briefing on the incident and would provide an update after receiving official reports.
The latest killings add to the growing wave of deadly attacks that have swept through Benue South in recent weeks.
On July 12, at least eight people were killed after suspected armed herders attacked Otukpo-Nobi and Akpachi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area, sparking protests by angry youths and prompting Governor Hyacinth Alia to direct security agencies to hunt down those responsible.
Barely two days later, another attack on Ondo community in Ugboju District forced hundreds of residents to flee and triggered fresh demonstrations along the Otukpo-Agatu Road.
On July 27, three more people were killed while two others sustained injuries in separate attacks on Elulu and Agadagba communities in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.
The renewed violence has persisted despite the recent visit of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to Benue State, where he pledged intensified intelligence-led policing and held a strategic security meeting with Governor Alia and other stakeholders.
The fresh attack has further heightened fears among residents following the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, and his associate, Yakubu Isah, who were ambushed and killed on June 26 while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Although police later announced the arrest of suspects in connection with the double murder, many residents believe the recurring attacks on communities across Benue South could be retaliatory.
Community leaders have repeatedly urged both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to strengthen security in vulnerable rural communities and ensure that those behind the killings are arrested and brought to justice.
