Benue: 15 victims of Otukpo attack buried in mass grave
Mass Burial Held for Attack Victims in Benue State
Fifteen victims of the July 28, 2026, attack on the Efeyi-Utikpi community in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State were buried over the weekend in a mass grave. The deceased, including women and children, lost their lives when suspected armed herders invaded the farming community in Ugboju District.
On Saturday, mourning residents, relatives, and community members gathered to pay their respects amid deep sorrow. The violent incident has left many residents traumatized and resulted in the destruction of homes, exacerbating concerns about safety in rural areas of the state.
This mass burial occurred less than three weeks after another tragic incident on July 12, 2026, when eight individuals, including five adults and three children, were killed in Otukpo-Nobi.
The recurrence of such attacks has intensified fears regarding the security of farming communities in Benue State. Local residents are urging government officials to take immediate action to protect lives and property.
Equipping the Persecuted, a non-governmental organization based in the United States, has pledged financial assistance for victims’ families as well as local vigilante groups.
The latest burial underscores the serious impact of ongoing insecurity in Benue, where residents face constant threats while trying to maintain their daily routines. Community leaders continue to call on both the Federal and Benue State governments to enhance security measures to prevent further violence.
For the families affected, Saturday’s mass burial marked a heartbreaking farewell to their loved ones, whose lives were tragically cut short.
