At least 15 people have been reportedly killed on Tuesday morning in fresh attacks by armed invaders on Ugboju communities of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Locals told our correspondent that the attack at Efeyi-Ugboju community where 14 bodies have been recovered so far began at 5am on Tuesday while one person was killed at Ipom community of Ugboju earlier on Monday.

The locals said that the casualties of Efeyi’s attack could be more as bodies were still being recovered as at 11:30am while many others with varying degrees of injuries have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the situation as “pathetic,” saying 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 attacks killed another person at Ipom-Ugboju on Monday morning,” the resident said.

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.

“The people are living in fear, and there is great apprehension. Residents of neighbouring communities are already fleeing for safety,” Ogiri said.

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.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to get details of the report. (Daily Trust)

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