Authorities in Benue State have verified that eight individuals were killed during an armed assault on the Otukpo-Nobi community within the Otukpo Local Government Area this past weekend. DSP Udeme Edet, speaking for the state police, noted that the violence occurred during the early morning hours of Sunday, leaving five additional people wounded. While local police report eight fatalities, some residents have offered conflicting accounts, suggesting the death toll could be as high as 16.
According to police reports, the raid began at approximately 6:00 a.m. shortly after mourners finished funeral rites for the late Mr. Adaje Okoh. Gunmen fired randomly into the crowd, killing eight victims and causing injuries to five others. Several thatched homes and a motorcycle were also destroyed by fire. The police have confirmed that the deceased were moved to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, while the injured are receiving medical care at a facility in Otukpo.
In response to the tragedy, Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu traveled to the site with tactical squads to stabilize the area and launch a formal inquiry. Additional security assets have been deployed to protect vulnerable neighborhoods and deter further violence. Security presence has been bolstered following demonstrations by local youths, and the police have urged residents to maintain peace while cooperating with investigators.
