Benue Massacre: 16 Feared Killed as Gunmen Storm Otukpo Community

A devastating predawn assault by suspected armed herders has left at least 16 people feared dead in Nobi community, located within the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The targeted mass shooting has sparked violent local protests, paralyzed major interstate transport corridors and reignited deep anger over the unrelenting wave of insecurity plaguing the North-Central state.

The attackers reportedly invaded the community between 3:00 a.m and 4:30 a.m on Sunday, opening fire indiscriminately on residents and forcing many to flee for safety.

Several people sustained injuries during the assault, while an unspecified number of residents were reported missing as security agencies and community members continued search efforts.

The killings triggered protests by angry youths and women, who blocked the Enugu–Otukpo and Makurdi–Otukpo highways before marching to the palace of the Och'Idoma, demanding urgent government intervention to halt the recurring attacks in Idoma communities.

One of the protesters, Comfort Inalegwu, said the attack claimed the lives of three members of her family.

"Some Fulani herdsmen, between 3:30 a.m and 4:30 a.m today, attacked Nobi community in Otukpo, shooting sporadically, which made residents flee.

"At least 16 people were killed this morning during the attack. I lost my sister and two of her children in the attack.

"The Fulani entered her house and shot them. Their corpses are now at the morgue of Otukpo General Hospital."

She said many victims were still unaccounted for and warned that women in the area would sustain their protests and oppose the conduct of future elections until decisive action is taken to end the repeated attacks on their communities.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attack, describing it as "a barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of the people of Benue State."

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attackers invaded Akpachi Village in Akpa, Otukpo Local Government Area, while residents were asleep, killing scores of people and injuring many others.

"These acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state," the governor said.

Alia expressed sympathy with the affected families and assured residents that his administration would not allow criminal elements to displace communities from their ancestral lands.

"Your lives are precious, and I can assure you that your ancestral lands will not be surrendered to fear," he said.

The governor directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and patrols across vulnerable communities, strengthen collaboration with neighbouring states and ensure those responsible for the attack are identified, arrested and prosecuted.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in confronting insecurity across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain comments from the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, and the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as calls placed to both officials were not answered.

The latest attack comes amid a series of deadly assaults on communities across Benue State, where recurring violence has continued to claim lives, displace residents and heighten fears among farming communities.