Suspected herders kill 15 in fresh Benue attack

Suspected armed herders invaded Efeyi community in Benue State, Nigeria, on Tuesday morning, killing 15 people. The attackers reportedly stormed the community around 5 a.m., firing sporadically. This incident marks the second attack in the area recently, with eight people killed in Otukpo Nobi three weeks prior.

“

The current situation in Efeyi, Ugboju, is pathetic. The attack started at 5am this (Tuesday) morning. Till around 7:00am, there was no response from security agents.

A local resident described the situation as "pathetic," stating that security agents did not respond until around 7 a.m. He identified the attackers as Fulani herdsmen and confirmed that 15 bodies had been recovered, with a search ongoing for missing persons.

The chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack, stating that 14 bodies had been recovered and several others were injured. He described the attack as unprovoked, reiterating that Fulani herdsmen were responsible and suggesting their motive was simply to kill. He noted the fear and apprehension among residents, with people fleeing neighboring communities.

“

The attackers are Fulani herdsmen. They were shooting sporadically when they came into our community. As I am talking to you now, 15 corpses have been recovered, while the search is ongoing because some people are still missing.

Ogiri questioned the effectiveness of security agencies, despite their presence, and called for government enforcement of the anti-open grazing law, stating that without it, "we will continue to lament."

“

Yes, there was an attack on Efeyi in Ugboju District, Otukpo LGA. Fourteen dead bodies have been recovered, and many people were wounded.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed grief over the attack and commended security agents for killing two of the attackers. In a statement, he vowed that the bandits would pay for their crimes and appreciated the police for their swift response.

“

There was no provocation at all. The attack was carried out by the same Fulani herdsmen. I think they just came to shed blood and kill people. Our people are afraid. There is great apprehension. People from neighbouring communities are fleeing.