At least 18 people have been killed in fresh attacks by gunmen on farming communities in Benue State, according to residents and local officials. The assaults took place over the weekend in Otukpo Local Government Area, where armed attackers reportedly stormed villages, opened fire on residents, and set properties ablaze, forcing many people to flee.
Residents said the attacks targeted the Otukpo-Nobi and Akpachi communities, with victims including women and children. Some survivors said the death toll could rise as search efforts continue for missing persons. The violence sparked protests, with angry youths carrying victims’ bodies to the palace of the Och’Idoma and blocking major roads to demand stronger security measures.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to protect communities. Local leaders also urged the federal government to deploy more security personnel to prevent further attacks.
The Benue State chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders’ Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) denied any involvement in the attacks and urged authorities not to assign blame before investigations are concluded.
Benue has been at the center of Nigeria’s long-running conflict between farming communities and armed herders, a crisis driven by disputes over land, grazing routes, and access to water. The violence has repeatedly displaced thousands of people and remains one of the country’s most persistent security challenges.
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