Benue Community Holds Mass Burial for 15 Attack Victims

On July 28, a bandits' attack in Ugboju District, Benue, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals, including women and children. In response, the community organized a mass burial in Efeyi-Utikpi, weeks after a similar incident in the local government area.

The attack left homes destroyed and residents traumatized, prompting community leaders to call on federal and state governments to move beyond mere condemnations and provide effective protection for vulnerable farming communities. Cletus Nwadiogbu, the Commissioner of Police in Benue, labeled the incident a terrorist attack, noting that the assailants employed guerrilla tactics before retreating into nearby forests.

The violence has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of farmers in Benue, disrupting agricultural activities and displacing residents. Additionally, a representative from Equipping the Persecuted, a U.S.-based NGO, announced financial assistance for the bereaved families and local vigilante groups.

This burial followed another attack on July 12 in Otukpo-Nobi, where eight victims were also buried.