A violent weekend in Benue and Plateau states has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people, sparking renewed concerns over regional instability. In Benue, suspected armed herdsmen carried out assaults in the Otukpo Local Government Area, claiming 18 lives. The violence reportedly began on Friday with the killing of two farmers in Akpachi village, followed by a Sunday morning raid on the Otukpo-Nobi community that left at least 16 dead.
These incidents led to widespread protests, with local youths transporting victims’ bodies to the palace of the Och’Idoma to demand improved security. Otukpo Local Government Chairman Maxwell Ogiri suggested the violence may be a reprisal for the recent murder of Ardo Mohammed, the local MACBAN chairman. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the assaults as barbaric and urged citizens to assist security forces with intelligence.
Concurrently, in Plateau State’s Riyom Local Government Area, gunmen attacked the Kum and Wereng-Camp communities late Saturday. The assault resulted in the deaths of nine members of a single family, including a two-month-old infant. The local village head also suffered severe injuries. Community leaders have called on both federal and state governments to urgently reinforce security measures in the area.
