27 Killed In Fresh Plateau, Benue Attacks

Fresh attacks in Plateau and Benue states have left at least 27 people dead, including nine members of a single family in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State and 18 others in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

In Plateau, the Berom Youth Moulders Association said armed attackers invaded Wereng-Camp and Kum villages late on Saturday, killing nine members of the same family during an assault that lasted into the early hours of Sunday.

The victims were identified as Celina James, Yohanna James, Janet Yohanna, three-month-old Jennifer Yohanna, Sele James, Melody James, Reto James, Endurance James and Peace James. The association added that Pam Yohanna sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment.

The group condemned the attack, describing it as part of a recurring wave of violence targeting farming communities, and called for stronger security measures and the prosecution of those responsible.

In Benue State, suspected armed herders reportedly killed 18 people in separate attacks on communities in Otukpo LGA over the weekend.

Two farmers were first killed in Akpachi Village, Ugboju community, on Friday, while another attack on Sunday morning in Otukpo-Nobi community claimed at least 16 lives and left several others injured.

The killings triggered protests in Otukpo, where angry youths carried victims’ bodies to the palace of the Och’Idoma and blocked major roads, demanding urgent government intervention.

Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, suggested the attacks could be reprisals following the recent killing of the Benue Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, Ardo Mohammed, and another man.

Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the attacks as barbaric and directed security agencies to intensify surveillance, collaborate with neighbouring states and ensure those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.