At least 16 people have reportedly been killed after suspected armed herders attacked Nobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The attackers reportedly stormed the community in the early hours of Sunday, between 3:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., shooting residents and forcing many to flee their homes.
Following the attack, angry youths and women took to the streets of Otukpo, including the palace of the Och’Idoma, to protest the killings. The protesters later blocked major routes into the town, including the Enugu–Otukpo and Makurdi–Otukpo roads.
A resident, Comfort Inalegwu, said her sister and two children were among those killed during the attack, adding that several others were injured while many residents remained missing.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the incident, describing it as a “barbaric and inhuman assault” on the people of Benue State.
The governor, through his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, said the attackers invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo LGA, while residents were asleep, killing several people and injuring others.
Alia assured residents that his administration would work with security agencies to ensure the attackers are arrested and prosecuted. He also directed security operatives to intensify surveillance and patrols across affected communities and border areas.
The governor urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to help prevent further attacks.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of reporting.
