By Paul Aondoakaa 

At least 16 people have been killed following renewed attacks by suspected armed herders on communities in Otukpo and Kwande Local Government Areas of Benue State, according to local authorities and residents. Several others sustained injuries, while many families have reportedly fled their homes amid fears of further violence.

The deadliest incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday when armed attackers reportedly stormed Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area at about 4:00 a.m.

According to residents, the assailants opened fire on villagers, killing at least 14 people and leaving several others with gunshot wounds. Community members also said a number of residents remain unaccounted for, raising concerns that the death toll could increase as search efforts continue.

One resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the attack as devastating and alleged that security personnel arrived several hours after the violence had begun.

"The attack started around 4:00 a.m., and three hours later no security operatives had reached our community. We were left helpless and vulnerable," the resident said.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that 14 bodies had been recovered from the community. He added that several injured victims were receiving medical treatment.

Ogiri said the victims were attacked without provocation and noted that fear had spread across neighbouring communities, prompting many residents to flee.

He also called for stricter enforcement of the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, arguing that stronger implementation could help address recurring attacks.

The latest violence followed another reported killing on Monday in Ipom community, also in Ugboju District, where a farmer was allegedly shot dead while working on his farm.

In a separate incident in Kwande Local Government Area, suspected armed herders reportedly attacked farmers harvesting Bambara nuts in Abaji community. Residents said the attackers opened fire, fatally injuring a woman who later died from her wounds. They also alleged that the attackers fled with two motorcycles belonging to farmers escaping the assault.

Survivors said they abandoned their harvest and ran for safety as gunfire erupted, leaving many residents fearful of returning to their farms.

As of the time of publication, security agencies had not publicly released a comprehensive statement on the attacks or confirmed the combined casualty figure.

Benue State has experienced repeated attacks on farming communities over the years, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of residents and disruption of agricultural activities. Communities in Otukpo and Kwande have remained among areas facing recurring security challenges.