Benue community attacked, several feared dead in renewed violence

Benue State is reeling from another devastating wave of violence as gunmen launched a deadly assault on Emichi village in Otukpo Local Government Area on Wednesday afternoon, leaving several residents feared dead and many others displaced.

Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers invaded the quiet community around 2:00 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and sending villagers fleeing into the surrounding bushes for safety. No security personnel were reportedly on ground during the attack, allowing the assailants to operate freely and wreak havoc.

The tragic incident comes barely 24 hours after 11 people were killed in Otobi-Akpa, also within the Otukpo LGA, in an attack allegedly carried out by suspected herdsmen. The back-to-back assaults have plunged the local population into fear and mourning, while also raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of security operations in the area.

Community leaders and residents are now calling on both the Benue State Government and the Federal Government to intervene decisively. They are demanding improved security presence, proactive intelligence gathering, and swift justice for the victims.