Attacks by Armed Herders Lead to Deaths in Benue

Several people have died in fresh attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State. This happened weeks after the murder of Ardo Risku, the state chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Local media reports, including Idoma Television, say the attacks started on Saturday. Suspected herders attacked Akpachi village in Ugboju community, killing two residents and injuring others.

The attackers struck again early Sunday morning. They invaded Otukpo-Nobi and killed at least eight more people, according to local media.

As of the time of this report, PREMIUM TIMES could not independently verify the number of casualties.

The latest attacks have sparked protests in Otukpo. Angry youths marched to the palace of the Och’Idoma, calling for urgent action from the government and security agencies to stop the ongoing violence in Benue South.

Governor reacts

Governor Hyacinth Alia responded to the attacks by condemning the killings. He called them “a barbaric and inhuman assault on the sanctity of life and the collective soul of the people of Benue State.”

In a statement on Sunday from his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the attacks happened between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m. when the herdsmen invaded Akpachi village while residents were asleep.

He noted that the attackers killed many people and injured several others. “These acts of mindless bloodshed are a direct attempt to sabotage the progress of our state,” Mr Alia said.

“My government stands firmly with you, and we will not allow our communities to be turned into killing fields.”

The governor ordered security agencies to increase surveillance and patrols in the affected areas. He also asked them to work with neighboring states to ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

He urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible information. “We urge every citizen to cooperate with the police and military by providing timely and credible intelligence. Security is a collective responsibility, and your information is a vital tool in our defense,” he said.

Fears of reprisal

These attacks have raised fears of more violence in Benue South. Many residents link the attacks to the killing of Benue State MACBAN chairman, Alhaji Ardo Risku Mohammed.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Risku and his associate, Yakubu Isa, were ambushed and killed on June 26 near Okwudu in Otukpo Local Government Area. They were returning from a peace meeting organized by authorities in Ohimini Local Government Area.

The killing drew widespread condemnation. Amnesty International called it “appalling that attending a peace meeting had turned out to be a death trap” and demanded a quick and fair investigation.

Governor Alia also condemned the murder. He described it as “a calculated attempt to undermine the peace and reconciliation efforts” of his administration. He directed security agencies to find and prosecute those involved.

Days later, the Benue State Police Command announced the arrest of 10 suspects linked to the killing of the MACBAN chairman.

While security agencies have not connected the latest attacks to Mr Risku’s murder, residents fear these could be reprisals. The timing and the heightened tensions following the murder fuel these fears.

As of the time of this report, the police had not issued an official statement regarding the latest attacks.