Herders Attack Again, 14 Killed in Benue

At least 14 people have died in a fresh attack by suspected armed herders in Efeyi, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State.

The attack started Tuesday around 5 a.m. and lasted until about 9 a.m. Many people were injured, and residents in nearby communities ran from their homes to escape.

A resident from Efeyi, who asked to stay anonymous for safety, said security forces did not arrive until hours after the attack began.

"The current situation in Efeyi Ugboju is pathetic. The attack started around 5 a.m. and till after 9 a.m. there was no response from the security agencies. Even the army and police stationed at Ugboju Ogobia have not reached the community to protect innocent citizens.

"We are helpless and vulnerable. What can we do to protect our people? Oh God, help the souls of the innocent people killed mercilessly in Efeyi Ugboju," the resident said.

Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, confirmed the attack. He called it another unprovoked assault by armed herders.

"Yes, there was an attack in Efeyi in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. It happened early this morning," Mr Ogiri said.

He mentioned that he was at the Federal University Teaching Hospital in Otukpo to wait for injured victims who were first taken to a nearby hospital for emergency care.

"I’m at the teaching hospital expecting the wounded. They were first taken to a local hospital, but I’m not sure the facility is adequately equipped to handle their condition," he said.

When asked about the attackers, Mr Ogiri said they were suspected Fulani militia.

"It is still the same Fulani militia. There was no provocation, no conflict. They have been attacking communities sporadically in recent days. The level of casualties has increased. One incident happened just a day or two ago in another village, and today it is Efeyi. They choose locations at will," he said.

The chairman could not confirm the exact number of deaths, as he was still waiting for reports from security. He noted that at least 14 bodies had been found.

"There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and kill innocent people. The people are afraid. There is great apprehension, and residents of neighbouring communities are fleeing for safety," he added.

Mr Ogiri questioned why these attacks keep happening despite the presence of military personnel, mobile police, agro-rangers, and regular police in the area.

"There are many security agents here, but I don’t know whether they are enough. I am not the one to determine their operations. My responsibility is to provide logistics and accommodation, not to direct security deployments," he said.

He also called for better enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law.

"Everything is tied to the anti-open grazing law. Even the eviction notice issued cannot achieve much because there is nobody to enforce it. Until there is deliberate enforcement, we will continue to lament these killings," he said.

Udeme Edet, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, told PREMIUM TIMES she was still waiting for details of the incident and would respond once she received a briefing.

These recent killings are part of a series of attacks that have troubled Benue South in recent weeks.

On 12 July, PREMIUM TIMES reported that at least eight people were killed when suspected armed herders attacked Otukpo-Nobi and Akpachi communities in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The attacks led to protests by angry youths. Governor Hyacinth Alia then ordered security agencies to find those responsible.

Two days later, suspected armed herders attacked Ondo community in Ugboju District, forcing residents to flee and causing new protests along the Otukpo-Agatu Road.

On 27 July, three people were killed, and two others were hurt in separate attacks on Elulu and Agadagba communities in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area.

These attacks happened just two days after Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Benue. He promised better intelligence-led policing and held a security meeting with Governor Alia and other stakeholders.

The renewed violence has raised concerns among residents after the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, and his associate, Yakubu Isah.

The two men were ambushed and killed on 26 June while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Police later announced the arrest of suspects linked to the killings. Many residents still fear that the ongoing attacks on communities in Benue South could be acts of revenge.

Community leaders have called on the federal and Benue State governments to strengthen security in vulnerable rural areas and ensure that those responsible for the attacks are caught and punished.