Suspected Herders Attack Benue Community, Seven Dead

On Tuesday, a Benue community was attacked by suspected armed herders, just 48 hours after a violent incident in Otukpo that left at least seven people dead. The attack occurred early in the morning, prompting residents to flee into the bush.

Local reports indicated that the community had received warnings about potential attacks from Fulani terrorists. Images circulated showing victims lying in pools of blood.

In response to the violence, angry youth barricaded roads in Otukpo and Agatu, burning tires and demanding urgent government intervention. They accused authorities of failing to protect vulnerable communities despite repeated attacks.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings and directed security agencies to intensify surveillance and deploy additional personnel to vulnerable areas. Cletu Nwadiogbu, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, described the earlier attack on July 12 in Akpachi, Otukpo, as a pure terrorist attack, confirming that eight people, including five adults and three children, were killed.

The latest violence has heightened fears among residents.