At least 15 killed as suspected herdsmen launch attacks on Benue communities

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 -At least 15 people have been k!lled in fresh attacks by suspected herdsmen on Ug oju communities, Otukpi Loval Government Area of Benue State.

Locals told Daily Trust that the attack at Efeyi-Ugboju community where 14 bodies have been recovered so far began at 5am on Tuesday, July 27, 2026 while one person was k!lled 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 k!lled mercilessly in Efeyi-Ugboju, while the armed herders responsible for the attacks k!lled 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 k!llings, describing them as unprovoked and aimed solely at taking innocent lives.

“There was no provocation. They came only to shed blood and k!ll our people. Fourteen d3ad 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.