Benue State, Nigeria – At least seven people have been killed and dozens abducted in two coordinated attacks by suspected armed herdsmen in Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State. The incidents, which occurred within 24 hours, have left communities in shock and prompted an urgent security response.
In the first attack, five people were killed and several others sustained gunshot wounds in Entekpa community, Adoka. According to a local source, the assailants arrived with a large number of cattle before opening fire and burning houses.
“They came with many cows, and nobody spoke to them. Suddenly, they started shooting innocent people and burning houses,” the source said, noting that many residents escaped by fleeing immediately.
Oliver Inalegwu, Ward Head of Entekpa, confirmed the killings, describing the scene as “shocking” and saying the village is now largely deserted.
Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, said the attack appeared carefully planned, with attackers using cattle as a decoy and taking strategic positions before opening fire. “Instantly, five people were killed, and others sustained gunshot injuries. The injured have been rushed to hospitals,” he said. Security forces, including the military, have been deployed to the area, while relief efforts are being coordinated for displaced residents.
Barely 24 hours later, gunmen ambushed a commercial bus along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road. The bus, carrying 16 passengers from Oju and Obi Local Government Areas, was traveling to the South-West when the assailants attacked around 7 p.m., killing two passengers and abducting 14 others. Two of the abducted passengers later escaped, but the whereabouts of the remaining 12 remain unknown.
A youth leader in Utonkon recounted that the attackers confiscated passengers’ phones to prevent communication with families or authorities. The abandoned bus has since been taken to the Utonkon Police Station.
Jackson Onmiyi, Chairman of Oju LGA, confirmed the attack occurred at the boundary between Ado and Okpokwu councils, commending local leaders and security agencies for ongoing rescue efforts.
The attacks follow a recent abduction of nine worshippers from St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, highlighting rising insecurity in Benue State.
Authorities have intensified security operations, while the Deputy Governor has promised relief materials for affected communities.
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