At least 15 people have been killed in fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen on Ugboju communities in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. The attacks, which occurred on Monday and Tuesday, have left residents in fear and triggered a wave of displacement.
Attack Details and Casualties
According to locals who spoke with Daily Trust, the deadliest assault took place at Efeyi-Ugboju community, where 14 bodies have been recovered so far. The attack began at 5 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27, 2026, and continued until past 9 a.m. Another person was killed at Ipom community of Ugboju on Monday, July 26.
Residents reported that the number of casualties could rise as search operations continued. As of 11:30 a.m., bodies were still being recovered, while many others with varying degrees of injuries had been rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Eyewitness Account
A resident who spoke on condition of anonymity described the situation as “pathetic,” noting that the attackers operated for several hours without interruption. “The attack started around 5am and continued till past 9am. 14 people were killed mercilessly in Efeyi-Ugboju, while the armed herders responsible for the killings killed another person at Ipom-Ugboju on Monday morning,” the resident said.
Official Confirmation
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, told journalists in Makurdi that 14 bodies had been recovered from Efeyi-Ugboju, while several other victims sustained injuries. He condemned the killings, describing them as unprovoked and aimed solely at taking innocent lives.
“There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and kill our people. Fourteen dead bodies have been recovered, while many others were wounded,” Ogiri stated. “The people are living in fear, and there is great apprehension. Residents of neighbouring communities are already fleeing for safety.”
Security Concerns
The council chairman expressed concern that despite the presence of security agencies—including the military, police, Mobile Police, and Agro-Rangers—the attacks persisted. “I do not know whether the security personnel on the ground are not enough. There should be a deliberate effort by the government to enforce the Anti-Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law because everything is tied to it,” he added.
Impact and Response
The attacks have heightened tensions in the area, with many residents abandoning their homes for fear of further violence. The Benue State Government has yet to issue an official statement, but local authorities are appealing for increased security and the enforcement of grazing laws passed years ago to curb such conflicts.
Benue State has long been a hotspot for farmer-herder clashes, with thousands killed in previous years. The Anti-Open Grazing Law, enacted to prevent herdsmen from moving cattle across farmlands, has been a point of contention. Despite its existence, enforcement remains weak, and attacks continue regularly.
