Nine people killed in Benue attacks after Otukpo incident

At least nine people have been killed by suspected cattle herders in communities in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. This happened just two days after three people, including a three-year-old child, were killed in Otukpo LGA.

The latest attacks took place in Tse-Nyaku, Tse-Biliji, and nearby areas in Mbatian Council Ward of Ngenev, Ukum, starting around 11 p.m. on Friday.

Many other residents were hurt, and some are still missing as people ran from their homes. A local source, who wanted to stay anonymous for safety reasons, told Vanguard Newspaper that the attackers came in large numbers and shot randomly.

The source mentioned that nine bodies have been found in the affected communities. They warned the death toll could rise since some residents are still unaccounted for. "The attackers came in large numbers and started shooting in the communities. Luckily, many people managed to escape, except for the nine who have been confirmed dead for now because their corpses have been recovered," the source said.

The source also claimed that one of the attackers was using a mobile phone that belonged to a victim to make and receive calls. "The communities have also already been deserted. It is a very sad day for our people. The Sankera axis of Benue has become a shadow of itself due to the level of insecurity," the source added.

PREMIUM TIMES could not confirm the reported death toll in these latest attacks. These events occurred just two days after an attack on Omulonye community in Ugboju Icho, Otukpo LGA, where three people, including a three-year-old child, were said to have been killed.

This attack happened on Wednesday night and left two other people injured, according to citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who went to the scene. Mr Olotu claimed that suspected herders invaded the community and killed the victims before security forces arrived.

He reported that the child was killed in the family compound in front of the father, while the mother was taken to the hospital. Another injured person was reportedly receiving treatment for serious leg injuries.

The recent attacks in Ukum add to the worries about security in Benue, where many communities have faced deadly attacks and displacement. Livinus Tyodoo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ukum I (Ngenev) State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, reacted to the attacks by condemning the killings.

In a statement, Mr Tyodoo called the incident "one attack too many". He urged the state government, Ukum Local Government Council, and security agencies to enhance security in the affected areas. He called for better intelligence gathering, quick deployment of security personnel, and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible to stop more attacks.

"This is not the time for politics or the exchange of blame. It is a time for urgent, coordinated and decisive action," he said. Mr Tyodoo also asked for measures to help displaced residents return to their homes and farms safely.

When contacted, Peter Aondongu, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, said he had not received any report about the latest attacks. The details surrounding the attacks, including the number of missing residents and who was behind them, were still unclear when this report was being filed.