15 killed in suspected herdsmen attack on Ugboju community in Benue

Fifteen people died in a dawn attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, allegedly by suspected armed herdsmen militia. The assault began around 5am on Tuesday and lasted until 9am, triggering panic and forcing residents from neighbouring communities to flee. A local resident reported no security response during the attack, despite the presence of Army and Police units at Ugboju Ogobia.

Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogiri confirmed the incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday and said he was at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, awaiting injured victims who had first been taken to a local hospital for initial treatment. He noted the facility might not be equipped to handle the severity of the injuries. Ogiri said he had not received an official casualty figure but was informed that 14 bodies had been recovered, with many others injured.

Ogiri attributed the attack to Fulani militia, stating there was no provocation and describing the violence as part of a pattern of unprovoked assaults on communities in recent days. He mentioned a prior incident in another village just one or two days earlier. While acknowledging the presence of multiple security agencies—including the military, Mobile Police, Agro-Rangers, and conventional police—Ogiri expressed concern over their inaction. He emphasized the need for enforcement of Benue's Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, arguing that eviction notices alone were ineffective without enforcement.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she would respond once she received details. As of the report's filing, no official statement had been issued by security authorities.

Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →