16 Villagers Killed in Benue State Attack by Herders

On Sunday, suspected armed herders attacked the Nobi community in Otukpo, Benue State, resulting in the deaths of at least 16 villagers. The attack occurred between 3:30 AM and 4:30 AM, with residents reportedly shot while asleep.

Comfort Inalegwu, a local resident, expressed the community's grief, noting that she lost her sister and two children in the attack. Following the incident, protests erupted in Otukpo, where residents blocked roads and demanded government intervention to stop the violence.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing them as barbaric and an assault on the sanctity of life. He emphasized the need for security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.

The governor also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces to provide credible intelligence. The Benue State Police Command's spokesperson, Udem Edet, was unavailable for comment at the time of the report.