At least 14 people have been confirmed dead in a dawn attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. The assault, which began around 5 a.m. on Tuesday and lasted until about 9 a.m., also left several residents injured and triggered mass displacement from neighbouring villages. Local authorities and eyewitnesses have pointed to suspected armed herders, specifically Fulani militia, as the perpetrators.
Attack Details and Eyewitness Account
A resident of Efeyi, who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, described the situation as dire. He alleged that security personnel failed to arrive until hours after the attack commenced. “The current situation in Efeyi Ugboju is pathetic. The attack started around 5 a.m. and till after 9 a.m. there was no response from the security agencies. Even the army and police stationed at Ugboju Ogobia have not reached the community to protect innocent citizens. We are helpless and vulnerable. What can we do to protect our people? Oh God, help the souls of the innocent people killed mercilessly in Efeyi Ugboju,” he lamented.
Official Confirmation and Death Toll
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack, calling it an unprovoked assault by armed herders. “Yes, there was an attack in Efeyi in Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA. It happened early this morning,” Mr Ogiri said. He noted that he was at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, awaiting injured victims who had been initially taken to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. “I’m at the teaching hospital expecting the wounded. They were first taken to a local hospital, but I’m not sure the facility is adequately equipped to handle their condition,” he added. While stating he could not officially confirm the exact death toll until receiving reports from security agencies, Mr Ogiri disclosed that he had been informed of at least 14 bodies recovered so far.
Identity of Attackers and Unprovoked Nature
When asked about the identity of the attackers, Mr Ogiri identified them as suspected Fulani militia. “It is still the same Fulani militia. There was no provocation, no conflict. They have been attacking communities sporadically in recent days. The level of casualties has increased. One incident happened just a day or two ago in another village, and today it is Efeyi. They choose locations at will,” he said. He emphasised that the attackers came solely to shed blood and kill innocent people, causing great apprehension among residents, with many fleeing neighbouring communities for safety.
Security Presence Questioned
Mr Ogiri questioned why attacks persist despite the presence of multiple security units in the area, including military personnel, mobile police, agro-rangers, and conventional police forces. “There are many security agents here, but I don’t know whether they are enough. I am not the one to determine their operations. My responsibility is to provide logistics and accommodation, not to direct security deployments,” he explained. He reiterated the need for effective enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, stating, “Everything is tied to the anti-open grazing law. Even the eviction notice issued cannot achieve much because there is nobody to enforce it. Until there is deliberate enforcement, we will continue to lament these killings.”
Police Response
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, told PREMIUM TIMES that she was still awaiting details of the incident and would respond once briefed.
Wave of Violence in Benue South
The latest killings are part of a surge of attacks that have rocked Benue South in recent weeks. On 12 July, suspected armed herders killed at least eight people in Otukpo-Nobi and Akpachi communities within the same local government area. That attack sparked protests by angry youths and prompted Governor Hyacinth Alia to order security agencies to hunt down the perpetrators. Two days later, another attack forced residents to flee the Ondo community in Ugboju District, leading to fresh protests along the Otukpo-Agatu Road. On 27 July, three more people were killed and two injured in separate attacks on Elulu and Agadagba communities in neighbouring Ohimini Local Government Area. These incidents occurred just two days after Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Benue, where he pledged intensified intelligence-led policing and held a strategic security meeting with Governor Alia and other stakeholders.
Fear of Reprisals
The renewed violence has heightened fears among residents, especially following the killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Risku, and his associate Yakubu Isah. The two were ambushed and killed on 26 June while returning from a peace meeting in Ohimini Local Government Area. Police later announced the arrest of suspects, but many residents believe the ongoing attacks on communities in Benue South may be reprisals. Community leaders have repeatedly urged the federal and state governments to strengthen security in vulnerable rural areas and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.
