Eight killed, five injured in Benue community attack — Police
Eight Killed in Attack on Benue Community
OTUKPO, Benue State — The Benue State Police Command has reported eight fatalities following an armed attack on the Otukpo-Nobi Community over the weekend. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, also left five individuals injured.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Udeme Edet, the police received a distress call reporting that armed assailants invaded the community around 6 a.m., shortly after the burial of local resident Adaje Okoh, an octogenarian. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the deaths of eight people, while five others sustained various injuries. Some sources, including local survivors, claim the death toll may be higher, with figures ranging from ten to sixteen deceased.
The police statement condemned the attack, describing it as a “cruel and tragic” event. It also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the broader community, wishing a swift recovery for those injured. The victims were transported to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while the deceased were taken to the mortuary at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.
Benue State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu has dispatched tactical teams to the area in an effort to restore order and prevent further violence. He has also initiated an investigation into the incident and ordered the deployment of additional resources to Otukpo-Nobi and other vulnerable communities.
In response to the attack, local youths staged protests, prompting the police to enhance security measures in the area. The command urged the community to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.
