Tragedy struck once again in Benue State as armed men launched a vicious assault on the Iwili community in Umogidi Ward and Entekpa community, both located in the Adoka District of Otukpo Local Government Area. Reports indicate that several lives were lost in the attack, which began on Saturday and persisted until Monday.
This latest onslaught on Umogidi marks a harrowing recurrence, occurring barely a year after a similar attack claimed numerous lives in the community. Ada Ocholi, a legal practitioner from the area, revealed that the assailants, believed to have migrated from the Agatu axis, descended upon Otukpo LGA with deadly intent.
According to Ocholi, eyewitnesses recounted a chilling scene of armed men, some donning military uniforms, prowling the bushes with sophisticated weaponry, while others perched atop trees. The attacks left several individuals injured, compelling frightened locals to flee their homes, leaving behind deserted villages in their wake.
Alfred Omakwu, Chairman of Otukpo LGA, confirmed the grim toll, stating that seven bodies had been recovered by Tuesday afternoon, with efforts underway to locate more victims, aided by military personnel.
The wave of violence in Benue State has reignited concerns over the government’s ability to stem the tide of bloodshed. Member of the state House of Assembly, Godwin Edoh, voiced frustration over the relentless attacks by suspected herders, urging urgent intervention from both federal and state authorities.
