Suspected armed herders launched a deadly attack on the Umogidi community of Entekpa Adoka district in the Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 46 people. This attack occurred one day after a similar incident in which three people were killed, and another attack in the neighboring Apa Local Government Area on Monday, which claimed three lives.
The armed herders reportedly returned to the Umogidi community on Wednesday evening, shortly after the burial of the three people killed in the Tuesday attack. The Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security, Paul Hemba, described the incident as "very tragic and painful."
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Bako Eje, confirmed the attack and said that his own son, among others, was among the 46 people killed. He also stated that some people were still missing.
A resident of the community, who identified himself as Sunny, recounted the attack and said that they started hearing gunshots from different angles, leading to the death of several people.
Spokesperson for the state police command, Catherine Anene, confirmed the recovery of eight corpses, including that of a police officer. According to her, police teams have been deployed to the area to forestall further breakdown of law and order.