Residents of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State staged a protest on Sunday after suspected armed invaders killed at least 10 people in fresh attacks on two communities.
The attackers reportedly struck Akpachi village in the Ugboju community on Saturday evening, killing two farmers, before launching another attack on Otukpo-Nobi in the early hours of Sunday, where eight other residents, mostly women and children, were killed.
Residents said the attackers operated between about 3am and 5am while most people were asleep, leaving several others injured.
Witnesses told Daily Trust that the death toll could rise as security personnel continued search operations for missing residents in the affected communities.
Some witnesses who spoke to our correspondent on telephone said that the killings sparked outrage in Otukpo town as angry residents carried some of the victims’ bodies to the palace of the paramount ruler of the Idoma speaking people of Benue south senatorial district, Och’Idoma, Dr. John Odogbo Eliagwu, in a peaceful protest, demanding urgent government intervention and improved security.
A witness who preferred anonymity said that the attack also forced residents of nearby communities, including Emichi, to flee their homes, while students around the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo (FUSHO), were reportedly stranded as panic spread across the area.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) DSP Udeme Edet had yet to comment on the incident as calls put through her telephone were not answered.
Reacting to the incident, Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, condemned the killings, describing them as “barbaric, inhumane” and a direct assault on the peace and security of the state.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attacks on Akpachi village and Otukpo-Nobi were carried out by suspected armed herders and resulted in the deaths of scores of residents, with many others injured.
The governor directed security agencies to immediately intensify surveillance and patrols in the affected communities and border areas, collaborate with security operatives in neighbouring states, and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are tracked down, arrested and prosecuted.
He assured residents that his administration would not allow communities in Benue to be turned into killing fields and urged citizens to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
Alia also sympathised with the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the attack.
As of the time of filing this report, security had reportedly been reinforced in the area, while tension remained high as residents mourned the victims and demanded decisive action to halt the recurring attacks.
Senator Moro condemns attacks, calls for decisive action
Meanwhile, the senator representing Benue South Senatorial District and Senate Minority Leader, Comrade Abba Moro, has condemned the fresh attacks on Benue South communities by alleged armed herders.
He said that the Akpachi community, in Ugboju-Ehaje, was hit on Saturday, leaving two persons dead and several others seriously wounded, while Otukpo Nobi community, all in Otukpo LGA, was invaded in the early hours of Sunday, leaving eight persons killed while several others sustained injuries.
Moro expressed worry that the attacks are escalating instead of abating, and expressed fear that if the killings are not urgently nipped in the bud, a major crisis may erupt as the people cannot continue to fold their arms and be killed in cold blood.
The senator called on government at all levels and security agents to do everything they can to ensure that the security of the lives and property of his constituents is guaranteed, as enshrined in the constitution.
Senator Moro also condemned the ambush of mourners conveying the remains of his constituent, Augustine Ikwue, in Kogi State.
He said that the remains of Ikwue, a Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), were being conveyed to Ai-Ode, Upu community, in Otukpo LGA for burial, when the convoy was attacked and several mourners abducted.
Moro wondered how any group of persons could attack and kidnap vulnerable people grieving and mourning their loved one.
He sympathised with the Ikwue family on the demise of their son and the misfortune that befell his friends and colleagues, adding that his thoughts and prayers were with the family.
He urged security agents to go after the kidnappers with a view to rescuing the helpless victims already traumatised and weakened by the death of their loved one.
The senator, while praying for the safe return of the abductees in a statement by Emmanuel Eche’Ofun John, his Media Adviser, extended his heartfelt condolences to the affected communities and families who lost loved ones in the recent attacks.
