On Saturday, the Efeyi community within the Ugboju District of Otukpo LGA, Benue State, held a mass burial for 16 individuals who were killed during an alleged raid by armed herdsmen. The community remains in deep mourning following the violence, which occurred in the early hours of July 28.
Witnesses report that attackers infiltrated the village between 4am and 5am, launching a sudden assault that resulted in the deaths of 16 residents. The incident has intensified fears regarding regional security, especially given previous deadly attacks in the district.
The funeral brought together traditional leaders, families, and religious officials to honor the deceased. The ceremony was filled with sorrow and frustration, as community members expressed dissatisfaction with current security measures. Aboyi Owi, a local resident, lamented the loss as an avoidable tragedy and criticized the government’s failure to curb the ongoing violence from armed groups.
A Catholic priest presided over the final rites, offering prayers for the victims before their remains were laid to rest. The event concluded with silence and intense grief from those in attendance.
