18 Killed As Suspected Herdsmen Attack Benue Communities

At least 18 people have been reported killed after suspected herdsmen attacked communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, sparking protests by angry residents on Sunday.

The attacks were reported around Akpachi village in Ugboju and Otukpo-Nobi, with residents saying some victims were women and children. Protesters later carried bodies to the palace of the Och’Idoma to demand urgent action from the state and federal governments.

Vanguard reported that the death toll rose to 18 across the affected communities. Daily Trust reported that at least 10 people were killed in the fresh attacks, while Daily Post reported that protesters stormed the Och’Idoma’s palace with corpses after the killings.

Residents told Daily Trust that the attackers operated in the early hours of Sunday while many people were asleep. Some people were injured, and others were reported missing as security personnel continued searches in the affected areas.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and ordered security agencies to pursue the attackers. His office described the attack as an assault on peace in the state and urged residents to cooperate with security operatives.

The police command had not issued a full public update at the time of the reports.

Sources: Vanguard, Daily Trust, Daily Post