Nine die in Benue attacks, days after Otukpo killings

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

The latest attacks occurred in Tse-Nyaku, Tse-Biliji and adjoining communities in Mbatian Council Ward of Ngenev, Ukum, beginning around 11 p.m. on Friday.

Several other residents were reportedly injured, while some remained missing as residents fled their homes.

A local source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, told Vanguard Newspaper that the attackers invaded the communities in large number, shooting sporadically.

The source said nine bodies had been recovered from the affected communities, adding that the death toll could rise because some residents were yet to be accounted 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 alleged that one of the suspected attackers was using a mobile phone belonging 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 said.

Earlier Otukpo attack

PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the reported death toll in the latest attacks.

The incidents come two days after an attack on Omulonye community in Ugboju Icho, Otukpo LGA, in which three people, including a three-year-old child, were reportedly killed.

The attack occurred on Wednesday night and left two other people injured, according to citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who visited the scene.

Mr Olotu alleged that suspected herders invaded the community and killed the victims before security operatives arrived.

He said the child was killed at the family compound in the presence of the father, while the mother was hospitalised. Another injured victim was reportedly receiving treatment for severe leg injuries.

The latest attacks in Ukum add to security concerns in Benue, where several communities have experienced deadly attacks and displacement.

Reaction

Reacting to the Ukum attacks, Livinus Tyodoo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ukum I (Ngenev) State Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, condemned the killings.

In a statement, Mr Tyodoo described the incident as “one attack too many”. He called on the state government, Ukum Local Government Council and security agencies to strengthen security operations in the affected communities.

He urged authorities to improve intelligence gathering, proactively deploy security personnel, arrest and prosecute those responsible, and prevent further attacks.

READ ALSO: Benue seals two schools for forcing students to buy textbooks

“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 called for measures that would allow displaced residents to return to their homes and farmlands without fear.

Police yet to receive report

When contacted, tenue State Police Command spokesperson Peter Aondongu said he had not received a report on the latest attacks.

The circumstances surrounding the attacks, including the number of missing residents and the identities of those responsible, remained unclear as of the time of filing this report.