13 killed, many injured as suspected herdsmen invade Benue community

No fewer than 13 persons were killed and several others reported missing after suspected armed herdsmen attacked Efeyi community in Ugboju district of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state in the early hours of Tuesday July 28, 2026.

The attackers reportedly invaded the community, shooting indiscriminately and forcing terrified residents to flee into nearby bushes for safety.

Residents said 13 bodies had been recovered by the time of filing this report, while search efforts continued for several people whose whereabouts remained unknown.

The attack sparked protests as angry youths conveyed the victims’ corpses to the palace of the district head, demanding urgent action to end the recurring violence in the area.

They also expressed fears that the death toll could rise as many residents were still unaccounted for following the assault.

Confirming the incident, Benue state Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said officers had been deployed to the affected community to restore calm and investigate the attack.

Governor Hyacinth Alia, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Tersoo Kula, expressed deep sadness over the killings and vowed that the perpetrators would pay for their crimes against the people of the state.

The governor commended the swift response of the Benue state Police command, led by Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu, which resulted in the neutralisation of two suspected armed bandits during a gun battle while security operatives pursued the attackers.

Alia pledged continued support for security agencies to ensure those responsible for attacks on Benue communities are brought to justice and warned that anyone seeking to displace residents would be firmly resisted.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and securing Benue communities, insisting that the people of the state deserved to live in peace without fear of violent attacks.