Deadly Herdsmen Attacks Kill 13 in Benue State

In Otukpo, Benue State, at least 13 individuals were killed in a series of attacks attributed to suspected armed herdsmen. The violence commenced on Saturday when gunmen invaded Akpachi Village in the Ugboju community, resulting in the deaths of three residents and leaving several others injured.

Less than 24 hours later, another assault occurred early Sunday, reportedly claiming the lives of at least ten people in the Otukpo Nobbi community, with additional injuries reported. The rising death toll has prompted spontaneous protests from angry youths in the area, who marched to the Och Idoma Palace in Otukpo, demanding urgent intervention from both the federal and state governments to address the ongoing violence.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks, describing them as barbaric and a direct assault on peace in Benue State. He directed security agencies to collaborate with neighboring states to intensify surveillance and border patrols to apprehend the perpetrators.

Udem Edet, the Benue police spokesperson, stated that further details would be provided as they become available.