Suspected Herders Kill Six in Renewed Benue Violence

At least six people have been killed in a series of attacks within the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State over a three-day period.

The violence began on Sunday and continued into the early hours of Tuesday. Among the victims are a retired Warrant Officer, a former local councillor, and four other individuals.

According to local sources, suspected armed herders attacked the Otobi-Akpa community around 1:30 am on Tuesday, killing five people at a provision shop and looting food supplies. This followed a separate incident on Sunday where another individual was killed and a kidnap attempt was foiled by local guards.

Local officials, including Otukpo Chairman Maxwell Ogri and Special Adviser on Internal Security Joseph Har, have confirmed the attacks. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, also verified the incident, stating that an investigation is underway to apprehend the perpetrators.

The community was previously attacked in April, resulting in 13 deaths. This latest violence is part of a concerning pattern of renewed attacks in the state, which officials have attributed to banditry.