News
Fresh Violence Hits Benue as Armed Attackers Strike Three Communities
Three communities in Benue State—Emichi, Odudaje, and Okpamaju—came under attack on Wednesday by suspected armed herders, causing renewed fear and displacement among residents. The incident occurred just a day after 13 people were killed and 50 houses were burned down in Otobi, also in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the earlier attack. According to Otukpo council chairman Maxwell Ogiri, the latest assaults took place while the Commissioner of Police was still in the area addressing the previous violence. Ogiri reported that three people were injured, and many women and children fled the affected communities, leaving only young men behind. Security forces responded swiftly, forcing the attackers to retreat, though no arrests were made during the incident.
Editor’s pick
LAWMA Urges Lagos Traders to Take Ownership of Waste Management
Kano APC Offers Conditional Welcome to Kwankwaso Amid Defection Rumors
Wike Says Tinubu’s Intervention Prevented Fubara’s Removal Amid Rivers Crisis
In response to the Otobi massacre, the governor expressed concern and urged security agencies to hunt down those responsible. He also announced increased security deployments and mentioned that additional support from the National Security Advisor was on the way to help contain the violence in Otukpo and surrounding areas.
Kennedy Angbo, a state lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa Constituency, said that nine bodies were initially recovered on Tuesday night, followed by more in remote locations, bringing the death toll to eleven by Wednesday morning.
Further reading
FG Launches BisonFly Project to Reduce Air Travel Costs Across MDAs
Mushin Group Warns APC Against Continued Impositions Ahead Of LG Polls
Hamzat Stresses Need for Competent Leadership and Strong Institutions
Meanwhile, the Christian Association in Northern Nigeria has called for urgent trauma healing programs for victims in Benue and Plateau states. The group emphasized the lasting emotional damage caused by such violence and advocated for structured mental health support and rehabilitation.
They also called for stronger security strategies, compensation for victims, and the empowerment of women through education and leadership development. According to the association, inclusive governance and equal opportunities are vital for achieving lasting peace and rebuilding affected communities.
Watch our video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611
