Tears, anger in Benue as 16 Otukpo attack victims buried

Tears and anguish marked the mass burial of 16 individuals in the Efeyi community, Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. The victims were allegedly killed by suspected armed herdsmen during an invasion of the community in the early hours of July 28.

Residents recounted that the assailants stormed Efeyi between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., opening fire on the community. The attack resulted in the deaths of 16 people, described by residents as brutal and unprovoked. This incident has intensified concerns about the security situation in the area, following a previous deadly attack in nearby communities within the same district.

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The funeral was so touching. The atmosphere is full of sorrow, tears and anger because this was an avoidable death if those responsible for ensuring the security of lives and property were alive to their responsibilities.

During the solemn burial ceremony, family members, community leaders, traditional rulers, political figures, and religious leaders gathered to pay their final respects. Mourners struggled to contain their grief as the remains of the deceased were interred. A resident, Aboyi Owi, described the funeral as one of the saddest moments in the community's history.

"The funeral was so touching. The atmosphere is full of sorrow, tears and anger because this was an avoidable death if those responsible for ensuring the security of lives and property were alive to their responsibilities," Owi stated. He questioned when the government would take genuine action to end the activities of armed herdsmen, warning that mass killings would persist as long as criminal gangs torment Nigerians. Prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased, and moments of silence were observed.

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We do not know when our government will take genuine action to end the activities of armed herdsmen in this country. For as long as we allow armed herders to keep tormenting Nigerians, there will be no end to the mass killing of Nigerians by the criminal gangs. This is just the saddest day for the people of Efeyi community.