At least 27 people have been killed in separate attacks across Benue and Plateau states, deepening concerns over the worsening security situation in Nigeria’s North-Central region. Among the victims were nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, while dozens of others sustained injuries and several communities were displaced.
The deadliest attacks in Benue State occurred in Otukpo Local Government Area, where suspected armed herders reportedly killed at least 18 people in separate assaults on Akpachi village and Otukpo-Nobi community. The violence sparked outrage as grieving youths carried the bodies of victims to the palace of the Och’Idoma and blocked major roads in protest, demanding stronger government action against recurring attacks.
Residents said the violence began on Friday when two farmers were killed while working on their farmland in Akpachi village. Less than 24 hours later, armed attackers reportedly stormed Otukpo-Nobi in the early hours of Sunday, killing at least 16 more people, including women and children, while many others suffered injuries.
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, suggested the attacks could be linked to reprisals following the recent killing of the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Ardo Mohammed, and his associate, Yakubu Isah. He said security had been reinforced while authorities worked to relocate survivors and restore calm to the affected communities.
Reacting to the killings, Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks, describing them as “barbaric” and a direct assault on the peace and stability of the state. He assured residents that his administration would continue working with security agencies to protect lives and urged communities to provide credible intelligence that could help prevent further violence.
Meanwhile, tragedy also struck Plateau State, where suspected gunmen attacked Kum and Wereng-Camp communities in Riyom Local Government Area late Saturday night. Nine members of the same family, including a two-month-old baby, were killed during the assault, while the village head sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital.
Residents said the attackers invaded the communities in large numbers, opening fire indiscriminately and forcing many people to flee into nearby bushes. The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the deaths and appealed to security agencies to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
Security personnel have reportedly been deployed to the affected communities in both states, while investigations continue. The latest bloodshed has renewed calls for stronger security measures to end the cycle of deadly attacks that has plagued parts of Benue and Plateau in recent years.
